wish1 verbwish2 noun
wishwish1 /wɪʃ/ ●●● S1 W1 verb 
WORD ORIGINwish1
Origin:
Old English wyscanVERB TABLE
wish
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | wish |
| he, she, it | wishes | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | wished |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have wished |
| he, she, it | has wished | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had wished |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will wish |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have wished |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- Afterward, Violet wished she hadn't said anything.
- Anyone wishing to order the book should send a cheque to the publishers.
- Beth wished she could stay there forever.
- Everyone has the right to smoke if they wish, but not the right to ruin the health of those around them.
- I wish I didn't have to go to school.
- I wish I had a car like that.
- I wish they would turn that music down.
- I wish to purchase a second house in the UK for investment purposes.
- Eventually, once he has them firmly under his rounded arm, he wishes us farewell.
- Every country wishes to see its own sportsmen and sportswomen as international champions.
- He can blast a race open whenever he wishes.
- He did not wish to appear on the terrasse of the Continental at such an early hour.
- He did not wish to love one more than the next.
- I may therefore not have heard points made to which I wish to refer.
Longman Language Activatortelling someone you hope they will be lucky and successful
spoken say this to tell someone that you hope they will be lucky and successful: · Good luck Archie! Enjoy your new job.good luck/best of luck with/in: · Best of luck with your driving test.
to tell someone that you hope they will be lucky or successful, when they are about to do something difficult: · Wish me luck - I'll need it for this French exam.wish sb luck in/with: · Brian asked me to wish you luck in your interview.
to wish you had not done something to feel sad, embarrassed, or annoyed about something bad or stupid that you have done, and wish you had not done it: be sorry/feel sorry that: · Aunt Jean always felt a little sorry that she had never had children.· I was sorry I ever agreed to go with them.be sorry/feel sorry for (=sorry for something bad that you have done): · I am sorry for any embarrassment I may have caused.be sorry/feel sorry about (=sorry about something that has happened): · Richardson said she was very sorry about the incident.
to wish that you had not done something, especially because it has bad results that affect you for a long time: · It was a stupid thing to say, and I immediately regretted it.· The owners said they regretted the decision to close the store, but felt unable to do otherwise.regret (that): · I think she regrets now that she never went to college.regret doing something: · I have always regretted giving up my piano lessons.deeply regret (=regret very much): · The Public Health ministry said it deeply regretted the error.
to feel that you have done the wrong thing, and wish that you had behaved differently: · I wish I had told him the truth.· I wish I'd realized earlier how much money I could save.· She wished now that she had not agreed to go to the party.
a feeling of sadness that you have when you think you have done the wrong thing, especially because it has bad results that affect you for a long time: · My main regret is that I never finished my college degree.sigh/expression/feeling of regret: · "I was too young to know what I was doing," said Martha with a deep sigh of regret.express regret: · Officers expressed regret about the boy's death.
to want something very much to want something to happen, when it is unlikely or impossible that it will happen, or when you cannot control what will happen: wish (that): · I wish I had a car like that.· Beth wished she could stay there forever.wish somebody/something would do something: · I wish they would turn that music down.
especially spoken to want something very much, and feel that you would be happy if you had it: · I would love a cup of coffee.would love to do something: · She would love to have children, but she hasn't met the right man.· "Would you like to go on a Caribbean cruise?" "I'd love to!" would love somebody to do something: · My mother would love me to come and live in New York with her.
if you say that you would do anything , would give anything or would give your right arm , you mean you very much want to have something or do something, especially something that is impossible to get or do: would do anything/would give anything/would give your right arm for: · I would do anything for a drink right now!· I would give anything for a look at that file.would do anything/would give anything/would give your right arm to do something: · When she first started writing, she would have done anything to get an article printed.· I'd give my right arm to be 21 again.
also be keen to do something British to want to do something very much, especially because you think it will be interesting or enjoyable or it will help other people: · He's really keen to meet you.· I was eager to get my hands on these rare recordings.· Donna is very eager to prove her worth to the group.be keen for somebody to do something: · My parents were keen for me to be independent, and let me have a lot of freedom.
to want very much to do or achieve something, so that you make a great effort: · Miles was anxious to gain his boss's approval, and was always the last to leave the office in the evening.· A newly-arrived executive is usually anxious to make his mark in a new firm.be anxious for somebody/something to do something: · After the war, the government was anxious for the tourist industry to be revived.
to want something very much, and feel that you must have it or do it immediately: be dying to do something: · I'm dying to meet Lisa's new boyfriend.be dying for: · I'm dying for a drink - let's go to a bar.
especially British to want or need something so much that you will be very unhappy or disappointed if you do not get it: · I could see that they were desperate and needed help.be desperate to do something: · After having four boys, the couple were desperate to have a little girl.· We were desperate to view the inside of the house once we saw the garden.be desperate for: · Newspapers are always desperate for stories.
spoken say this when you want something to happen as soon as possible, because you know you will enjoy it and you are very excited about it: · "You're going on holiday soon, aren't you?" "Yes, I can't wait."I can't wait to do something: · I can't wait to see Bill again - it's been a long time.can't wait for: · I can't wait for Christmas.
to be impatient to do something that you are excited about, especially something you have not done before: · She's just itching to tell you about her new boyfriend.· Despite her success, however, it just wasn't much fun anymore. Liz was itching to try something different.
a word used especially in spoken English meaning to want something very much, especially something to eat, drink etc: · I need a drink - coming to the bar?· Dave's been working really hard - he needs a holiday.
to want as much of something as you can get, especially food, attention, or a drug: · I've always craved love and acceptance.· The review gave Picasso a taste of the recognition he craved.
to want something or want to do something · My parents moved out of London because they wanted a bigger house.· Do you want milk in your coffee?want to do something · What do you want to do at the weekend?· Stacey wants to be a doctor.want somebody to do something · She wants Tom to come to her party.what somebody wants is · What we want is a car that's cheap and reliable.if you want (to) · You can go back to bed for a while if you want.
especially spoken use this as a polite way of asking for something, offering something, or saying what you want to do: · We'd like some information about flights to Chicago, please.· Would you like some more coffee?would like to do something: · I'd like to reserve a room for Saturday.· Would you like to borrow this book?would like somebody to do something: · We would like you to attend an interview at 3:30 on Friday.
especially spoken to want to have something or do something, because you think you would enjoy it: · I feel like a long, hot soak in the bath.· It's a lovely day - do you feel like a walk?feel like doing something: · I feel like watching a movie tonight.
spoken to want to do or have something, but not very strongly: · I wouldn't mind another cup of coffee. How about you?I wouldn't mind doing something: · It was a really good play. I wouldn't mind seeing it again.
formal to want to do something: wish to do something: · I wish to purchase a second house in the UK for investment purposes.· Anyone wishing to order the book should send a cheque to the publishers.if you wish: · Everyone has the right to smoke if they wish, but not the right to ruin the health of those around them.
say this when you would like to do or have something: · "How about a girls' night out on the town?" "I wouldn't say no!"I wouldn't say no to: · I wouldn't say no to a glass of whisky!
to think that you may want to do something, buy something, or get involved in something: · Melanie wants to be a lawyer, and Sam's interested in a career in teaching.be interested in doing something: · We're interested in buying an apartment downtown.· Would you be interested in going to the theatre with me on Friday? I have two tickets for "The King and I".
British informal to want to have or do something: · Do you fancy a drink?· I think he's always fancied a car like Lizzie's.fancy doing something: · I really fancy going for a swim.
informal if something takes your fancy , you want to do or have it as soon as you see it or think of it: · We could go to the movies or go out for a meal -- whatever takes your fancy.· She wandered around the market stalls, stopping occasionally to look at something that took her fancy.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
You may leave now, if you wish. He shook my hand and wished me luck. They got married against her parents’ wishes (=although they knew her parents did not want them to). We’d just like to wish him all the best in his new job. Before I did the jump, people would ask if I had a death wish. It was her dying wish to have a simple burial. She said she wanted to leave, and her father respected her wishes. Parents can withdraw their child from school if they so wish. I wish they would come and visit us.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
You may leave now, if you wish. (=used in formal situations to tell someone you will do what they want) ‘I’d like it to be ready by six.’ ‘Just as you wish, sir.’
‘I’d like it to be ready by six.’ ‘Just as you wish, sir.’ He shook my hand and wished me luck. (=say that you hope that good things will happen to someone) My friends wished me well in my new job.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES My friends wished me well in my new job. They got married against her parents’ wishes (=although they knew her parents did not want them to). We’d just like to wish him all the best in his new job. (=say that you hope someone enjoys Christmas)· They wished us a happy Christmas and left.
Before I did the jump, people would ask if I had a death wish. It was her dying wish to have a simple burial. (=say that you hope someone will have a happy life)· I would like you to join me in wishing every happiness to Annabelle and Steven.
She said she wanted to leave, and her father respected her wishes. Parents can withdraw their child from school if they so wish. I wish they would come and visit us.· They then shook hands and delivered warm, almost passionate, hugs as they wished each other luck.· But had we sat down with her, we would have wished her good luck.· I wish him luck and hope that after a couple of years he is transferred back!· Well, I wish you luck.· He had not, Anna tried to remember, wished her luck.· She wishes me luck, opens the door to the bathroom, and disappears into a cloud of steam.· Tim shook my hand and wished me luck, giving me a knowing look in the process.· The program also features a neat video clip of Norman introducing the game and wishing players good luck.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► I wish!► I don’t wish to interfere/be nosy etc► I couldn’t wish for a nicer/better etc ...PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► I swear/hope/wish/pray to God
1[intransitive, transitive] formal if you wish to do something or you wish to have it done for you, you want to do it or want to have it done SYN likewish to do something- "I'm going to be a millionaire one day." "You wish!"
- James says he wouldn't wish a military career on anyone.
- And I wish I knew why.
- But being so weak seems wrong now too. I wish I knew judo.
- Don't ask me what I do want. I wish I knew.
- He was a sad person underneath. I wish I knew what he was so sad about.
- I do know that it was because of an argument that he left. I wish I knew more.
- I won't listen to you any more. I wish I knew what time it was.
- Men clustered and chattered lively in groups. I wished I knew how to smoke.
- Very grand. I wish I knew where it is now.
- Such pessimists are wishing their life away.
- I wish he would go away.
- I wish he would stop this.
- I wish Masklin would come back.
- I wish my friends would take that to heart.
- I wish they would continue to play at the Forum.
- I wished the Admiral would switch on the lights.
- I thought I was gon na die and-I hate to admit it-sometimes I wished I would.
- They are different from the views that he is saying are ours, and I wish that he would retract that.
- But had we sat down with her, we would have wished her good luck.
- Everyone wished each other good luck and Mould, Matron and Endill headed off to the library.
- I wish him luck and hope that after a couple of years he is transferred back!
- James wished me good luck and dashed off home.
- Lineker and Paul Gascoigne have both been in touch with Spurs to wish them good luck for the new season.
- She wishes me luck, opens the door to the bathroom, and disappears into a cloud of steam.
- Well, I wish you luck.
- Yet at the start of the day both sides had wished each other luck.
- I only wish I knew what I could do to help.
- And I only wish the world had a sense of the glamour like we had in the Sixties.
- At present I only wish to draw attention to a possible ambiguity in a crucial move.
- Exhibit A in defense of the caveman. I only wish Becker had taken questions from the audience.
- I am sorry your life is so burdensome, I only wish I could help in some way.
- I enjoyed the whole of the Chuck Berry interview - I only wish we'd had longer.
- It's a great honour and I only hope and pray I won't let Monsieur down.
- It will suit Mrs Rochester perfectly. I only wish I were more handsome, as she's so beautiful.
- They were all very heartened that some one was at last taking an interest: I only wish I had had a tape recorder!
- But in the present climate that is a somewhat pious hope.
- But these were merely pious hopes.
- Criteria Unless there is a quantitative criterion there is no objective, only a pious hope of better times.
- The international community has so far salved its conscience by voicing a succession of pious hopes.
- This may be a pious hope.
- He sends his best wishes to everybody at home.
- Mr Mason sends his best wishes for the success of the event.
I wish to make a complaint. If you wish to discuss this matter further please do not hesitate to contact me. You may leave now, if you wish.(just) as you wish (=used in formal situations to tell someone you will do what they want) ‘I’d like it to be ready by six.’ ‘Just as you wish, sir.’ The cook will prepare whatever you wish.RegisterIn everyday English, people usually say want rather than wish:· I want to see the manager.· You can go, if you want.2[transitive] to want something to be true although you know it is either impossible or unlikelywish (that) I wish I didn’t have to go to work today. I wish that I could afford a new car. He wished Emily were with him. Sometimes I wish I had never been born.GRAMMAR: Patterns with wish• You wish that you could do something: · I wish I could speak Spanish. ✗Don’t say: I wish I can speak Spanish.• You wish that something would happen: · I wish it would stop raining.· I wish you wouldn’t do that.• You wish that you had done something: · I wish I had paid more attention in class.· She wished she hadn’t said that she was bored.• You wish that you could have done something: · I wish I could have seen his face!• In everyday spoken English, you say I wish I was: · I wish I was back home in Hong Kong.• In more formal English, especially in American English, you use I wish I were: · I wish I were back home in Hong Kong.• I wish I were is often used when talking about things that are impossible: · I wish I were you!· I wish I were younger.Grammar guide ‒ VERBS3[transitive] to say that you hope someone will have good luck, a happy life etcwish somebody something We wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! We wish them every happiness in their new home. He shook my hand and wished me luck.wish somebody well (=say that you hope that good things will happen to someone) My friends wished me well in my new job.4I couldn’t wish for a nicer/better etc ... (also the nicest/best etc ... I could have wished for) used to emphasize that you are very happy with what you have and cannot imagine anyone or anything better: I couldn’t wish for a better husband. It’s the best birthday present I could have wished for.5 I wish (that) somebody would do something spoken used to say that you find someone’s behaviour annoying and want them to change: I wish you’d stop treating me like a child!6[intransitive] a)to want something to happen or to want to have something, especially when it seems unlikely or impossiblewish for It was no use wishing for the impossible. She was like the sister I never had but always wished for. b)to silently ask for something you want and hope that it will happen by magic or good luck – used especially in children’s storieswish for One day she found a magic ring that brought her whatever she wished for.7I wish! spoken used to say that something is not true, but you wish it was: ‘I think he really likes you.’ ‘I wish!’8you wish! spoken used to tell someone that what they want to happen or be true will definitely not happen or become true: ‘I’m going to be famous one day.’ ‘You wish!’9wouldn’t wish something on/upon somebody spoken used to say that something is very unpleasant and that you would not like anyone to have to experience it: Having your house broken into is terrible. I wouldn’t wish it on anybody.10I don’t wish to interfere/be nosy etc British English spoken formal used to show you are sorry if what you are going to say upsets or annoys someone: I don’t wish to seem ungrateful, but it’s not quite what I expected.11I (only) wish I knew British English spoken used to emphasize that you do not know something, and you wish you did know: ‘Where on earth have they gone?’ ‘I wish I knew!’wish something ↔ away phrasal verb1to make something unpleasant disappear by wanting it to disappear, without doing anything about it: You can’t just wish your problems away, you know!2 wish your life away to always be thinking about the future, so that you do not do or enjoy things now – used to show disapproval: Don’t wish your life away.wish1 verbwish2 noun
wishwish2 ●●● S3 noun [countable] EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- His last wish was that his body should be buried in his home town.
- She always wanted to see her grandchildren again - it was her dearest wish
- Consequently, the parents often seize on anything as a portent which confirms their wishes.
- Here, in the regressive, infantile wish for the perfect parent of early childhood lies the germ of the police state.
- On his birthday, Max gets his wish that his dad will stop lying for one day.
- Several correspondents have written to me at different times expressing the wish that we join forces in order to become more effective.
- She claimed to have been directed, used at all times as an instrument of their wishes, not her own.
- Still I approve of his wish that the next time round he will become a woman so that he can bear children.
- This month, my wish has been granted.
Longman Language Activatora feeling that you want to do or have something
especially written a strong feeling of wanting to have something or wanting to do something, especially something important, which makes you try very hard to have it or do it: desire to do something: · Young children have a keen desire to learn and succeed.desire for: · After so many years of war, there was a great desire for peace.a strong/keen/burning desire: · Young Peryoux left home for Paris, armed with a guitar, and a burning desire to succeed.
formal something that you want to happen, especially when this is very important to you: · His last wish was that his body should be buried in his home town.somebody's dearest/greatest wish (=the thing they want most of all): · She always wanted to see her grandchildren again - it was her dearest wish.
a very strong and long-lasting desire for something that you are unlikely to get - used especially in stories and literature: longing/yearning for: · She felt a great longing for the sights, sounds and smells of home.· The story gives a sensitive account of Paul's innocent yearning for love and affection.longing/yearning to do something: · At 18 I had a strong yearning to leave my small town, and see the world.
a very strong and uncontrollable desire to have something that you think about all the time, especially food, attention, or a drug: · After a week without smoking, the craving began to disappear.craving for: · The symptoms include a craving for sweet foods.
a very strong desire to have something, such as money or power, that can make you do evil things to get what you want: lust for: · Throughout his career he was motivated by a lust for power.· Her lust for money is insatiable.
a strong desire to have something regularly or do something regularly: appetite for: · He has a tremendous appetite for hard work.insatiable appetite (=extremely strong appetite): · The public has an insatiable appetite for scandal and political controversy.whet somebody's appetite (=make it stronger): · The dangers of the climb up Mt. Washington only whetted our appetite for more adventure.
a strong desire to do something, even though you know it is wrong, dangerous, unnecessary etc: temptation to do something: · There is always a temptation to blame others for your own problems.resist the temptation (=not do something, even though you want to): · Resist the temptation to get involved. After all, it's not your problem.give in to temptation (=to do something, after trying not to): · In the end, he gave in to temptation, and lit his first cigarette in five days.
an extremely strong desire, usually an unreasonable one, that is difficult or impossible to control: · The patient had a compulsion that caused him to wash his hands 20 or 30 times a day.compulsion to do something: · He felt a sudden compulsion to laugh out loud.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRYverbs They got married against her parents’ wishes (=although they knew her parents did not want them to). We’d just like to wish him all the best in his new job. Before I did the jump, people would ask if I had a death wish. It was her dying wish to have a simple burial. She said she wanted to leave, and her father respected her wishes. Parents can withdraw their child from school if they so wish. I wish they would come and visit us.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
(=silently ask for something that you want to happen)· He blew out the candles and made a wish.
(=get what you want)· She wanted him to leave, and she got her wish.
(=give someone what they want)· His parents would now be able to grant his wish.
· He expressed a wish to go to the United States.
(=do what someone wants)· We have to respect his wishes.
· It is important not to ignore the wishes of the patient.
phrases· His wish came true when he was called up to play for England.
adjectives (also somebody’s dearest wish British English) (=what they want most of all)· Her greatest wish was to see her parents again.
· Her last wish was to be buried in her husband’s grave.
(=a strong wish)· To die for Ireland was the fervent wish of every true patriot.
adverbs (=against what someone has said they want)· Contrary to her parents' wishes, she decided not to go to university.
formal (=following what someone wants)· In accordance with his wishes, he was buried next to his first wife.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES They got married against her parents’ wishes (=although they knew her parents did not want them to). We’d just like to wish him all the best in his new job. (=say that you hope someone enjoys Christmas)· They wished us a happy Christmas and left.
Before I did the jump, people would ask if I had a death wish. It was her dying wish to have a simple burial. (=say that you hope someone will have a happy life)· I would like you to join me in wishing every happiness to Annabelle and Steven.
She said she wanted to leave, and her father respected her wishes. Parents can withdraw their child from school if they so wish. I wish they would come and visit us.· Her dearest wish was to live another couple of years and see Neil Kinnock as prime minister.· He had two small children, and it was Miss Miggs's dearest wish to see them.· If, as you say, your sister will come and bring Oreste then surely you have achieved your dearest wish?· She was an only child, and well aware that her father's dearest wish was to have grandsons.
· Who was Jenny to deny a man his last dying wish?
· I don't know your grandparents, but I hope you will send them my best wishes.· Spare me your shock and good wishes.· Central Council sends its good wishes to her.· With best wishes for success and prosperity.· My best wishes to Madame Zborowska and warm greetings to you.· And while babies are on my mind, my best wishes to Patsy Kensit on the birth of her son.· The good wishes of the nation are with them.· Please believe in my loyalty and friendship and give my best wishes to your wife.
· Recovering from the October 26 attack, Rob's greatest wish is to stay in the Metropolitan force.· Ben's greatest wish is that when he grows up, he becomes a professional scrambler.· Having his own was his greatest wish and transformed his life.
NOUN· So scribble down that wish list and get surfing to pick up some of the best bargains around.· Davis would seem to be everything the Texans have on their wish list.· Training More and better training also requires a priority place on this wish list.· Near a well-traveled box of spices was a piece of cardboard on which the Oz campers' wish list was written.· What is at the top of my wish list?· Oppenheimer was part of this international circle, and so he began recruiting with a first-rate wish list in hand.· A bottle of whisky a day would definitely come on the wish list, said Edwards.
VERB· Those who did not fulfil their clients' wishes lost income.· Today her school payed tribute to her courage and fulfilled her final wish, the planting of 2 trees in her memory.
· Well, if the Oxford manager was granted any more wishes, then he'd want a change a fortune.· But until she is dead I will not grant your wish.· If he could ever be granted one wish in his life, he knew exactly what it would be.· The fisherman trudged to the sea once more, spoke, and the flounder granted the wish.· He has a private jet and a team of flunkies ready to grant every wish.· The Make-A-Wish Foundation says it will re-evaluate its criteria for granting wishes.· At last, slowly, victoriously, his eyes never leaving hers, he granted her wish.
· Once again the declarations of the jurors reflected the wishes and interests of the forest inhabitants rather than the facts of recorded history.· I hope that this allocation reflects the wishes of the House as a whole.· The church said yesterday its objections only reflected the wishes of nearby residents.
· At all times respect the wishes of residents who do not wish to join in activities.· In our unit one of the goals of elective ventilation is the respecting of these wishes.· I'd have loved to have thanked him personally, but we have to respect his wish to remain anonymous.· She wished to live her own life, and they must respect that wish.· I've always believed one must respect the wishes of the dead.· None the less, the importance of the obligation to respect the wishes of the patient can not be overstated.· Has the manager at all times respected the wishes and aspirations of the artist?
· I don't know your grandparents, but I hope you will send them my best wishes.· Central Council sends its good wishes to her.· Any real fan will send Hankin their good wishes.· He sends his best wishes to everybody at home.· A card was passed around for those present to send their good wishes for a speedy recovery.· Harry said his Aunt Erica sent good wishes, his eyes ironic.· Mr Mason sends his best wishes for the success of the event.· She sends good wishes to all her friends and colleagues.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► your wish is my commandPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► I swear/hope/wish/pray to God
1a desire to do something, to have something, or to have something happenwish of- He became a dancer against the wishes of his family.
- A former miner, Joe was presented with a cheque together with good wishes for a long and happy retirement.
- And while babies are on my mind, my best wishes to Patsy Kensit on the birth of her son.
- Meanwhile, may I wish you all a very Happy Christmas and best wishes for the coming year.
- My best wishes to Madame Zborowska and warm greetings to you.
- Our best wishes to his family and friends.
- She hadn't deserved their kindness, their good wishes - she'd hardly been a boon companion of late.
- Spare me your shock and good wishes.
- With best wishes for success and prosperity.
- I have no wish to offend anybody.
- And believe me, I have no wish to keep score.
- I emphasize that I have no wish to come across here as the skunk at the process improvement garden party.
- I have no wish to attribute motives, but clearly finance intervenes.
- I have no wish to caddie for Brian Harley.
- I have no wish to change my nature over this matter and become a crusading journalist.
- I have no wish to create a posing pilots' paradise.
- I have no wish to get angry with my own invention, the so-named Miller.
- Mrs Hardman has grown used to her independence, and I have no wish to curtail her freedom.
- But had we sat down with her, we would have wished her good luck.
- Everyone wished each other good luck and Mould, Matron and Endill headed off to the library.
- I wish him luck and hope that after a couple of years he is transferred back!
- James wished me good luck and dashed off home.
- Lineker and Paul Gascoigne have both been in touch with Spurs to wish them good luck for the new season.
- She wishes me luck, opens the door to the bathroom, and disappears into a cloud of steam.
- Well, I wish you luck.
- Yet at the start of the day both sides had wished each other luck.
- I only wish I knew what I could do to help.
- And I only wish the world had a sense of the glamour like we had in the Sixties.
- At present I only wish to draw attention to a possible ambiguity in a crucial move.
- Exhibit A in defense of the caveman. I only wish Becker had taken questions from the audience.
- I am sorry your life is so burdensome, I only wish I could help in some way.
- I enjoyed the whole of the Chuck Berry interview - I only wish we'd had longer.
- It's a great honour and I only hope and pray I won't let Monsieur down.
- It will suit Mrs Rochester perfectly. I only wish I were more handsome, as she's so beautiful.
- They were all very heartened that some one was at last taking an interest: I only wish I had had a tape recorder!
- But in the present climate that is a somewhat pious hope.
- But these were merely pious hopes.
- Criteria Unless there is a quantitative criterion there is no objective, only a pious hope of better times.
- The international community has so far salved its conscience by voicing a succession of pious hopes.
- This may be a pious hope.
- He sends his best wishes to everybody at home.
- Mr Mason sends his best wishes for the success of the event.
It’s important to listen to the wishes of the patient.wish to do something Despite her wish to continue working, she was forced to retire at the age of 62. → death wish2a silent request for something to happen as if by magic: Close your eyes and make a wish.3against somebody’s wishes if you do something against someone’s wishes, you do it even though you know they do not want you to: She’d left school against her mother’s wishes.go against somebody’s wishes (=do something against their wishes)4best/good/warmest etc wishes used, especially in cards and letters, to say that you hope someone will be happy, successful, or healthywish for Best wishes for a long and happy retirement! She asked me to pass on her good wishes to all her friends and colleagues.(With) best wishes (=used at the end of a letter before you sign your name) With best wishes, Celia.5have no wish to do something formal used to emphasize that you do not want or intend to do something: I have no wish to speak to her ever again.6your wish is my command used humorously to say that you will do whatever someone asks you to doCOLLOCATIONSverbsmake a wish (=silently ask for something that you want to happen)· He blew out the candles and made a wish.get/have your wish (=get what you want)· She wanted him to leave, and she got her wish.grant/fulfil somebody's wish (=give someone what they want)· His parents would now be able to grant his wish.express a wish· He expressed a wish to go to the United States.respect somebody’s wishes (=do what someone wants)· We have to respect his wishes.ignore somebody’s wishes· It is important not to ignore the wishes of the patient.phrasessomebody's wish comes true· His wish came true when he was called up to play for England.adjectivessomebody’s greatest/deepest wish (also somebody’s dearest wish British English) (=what they want most of all)· Her greatest wish was to see her parents again.somebody’s last/final/dying wish· Her last wish was to be buried in her husband’s grave.a fervent wish (=a strong wish)· To die for Ireland was the fervent wish of every true patriot.adverbscontrary to somebody's wishes (=against what someone has said they want)· Contrary to her parents' wishes, she decided not to go to university.in accordance with somebody's wishes formal (=following what someone wants)· In accordance with his wishes, he was buried next to his first wife.