As You Wish: Definition, Meaning, and Origin

Last Updated on
January 16, 2024

The idiom "as you wish" is a polite way of saying that you will do what someone else wants, even if you do not agree with it or like it. It can also express love, devotion, or obedience to someone. It can also be used sarcastically or ironically to show disagreement or annoyance.

In short:

  • It means fulfilling someone's desire even if you disagree with it..
  • It shows one's affection, loyalty, or compliance to someone.
  • It can also be used sarcastically or ironically to show disagreement or annoyance.

What Does "As You Wish" Mean?

The idiom "as you wish" has two primary meanings, depending on the speaker's context and tone.

  • The first meaning is that you will do what someone else wants, even if you disagree. This can show respect, deference, or politeness to someone who has authority over you, such as a boss, a teacher, a parent, or a partner. For example, if your boss asks you to work overtime on a weekend, you might say "as you wish" to show that you will follow their orders, even though you would rather not.
  • The second meaning is loving, adoring, or obeying someone so much that you will do anything they want. This can show affection, devotion, or loyalty to someone important to you, such as a spouse, a lover, a friend, or a family member. For example, if your partner asks you to watch a movie with them that you do not like, you might say "as you wish" to show that you will do it for their sake because you love them.

Where Does "As You Wish" Come From?

The origin of the idiom "as you wish" is unclear. However, one possible explanation is that the phrase may have been derived from the older expression "as you please," meaning similar to doing what someone else wants. The term "as you please" dates back to at least the 16th century and was used by Shakespeare in his plays.

10 Examples of "As You Wish" in Sentences

Here are some examples of how to use this idiom in different sentences:

  • I feel your pain, so I'll support your decision as you wish.
  • Please feel free to use the car as you wish. I don't care at all.
  • You're in charge of the itinerary, so we'll follow your lead as you wish.
  • Yes, please. You can rearrange the furniture in your room as you wish.
  • Fret not. I'll prepare your favorite meal for dinner tonight, as you wish.
  • What can I say? You can choose the movie for our movie night, as you wish.
  • I'll be there to assist you as you wish. I'll always be there to lighten your load.
  • Good riddance. I respect your opinion, and we'll follow your plan as you wish.
  • Go for the gusto! You have the freedom to decorate the living room as you wish.
  • As you wish, I've set aside some time to help you with your project. So, no worries.

Examples of "As You Wish" in Pop Culture

Here are some examples of how this idiom has been used in various forms of pop culture:

  • The movie The Princess Bride is famous for using the phrase "as you wish" to say "I love you." The term is also used in the book that the movie is based on.
  • The song As You Wish by Alesana is a rock song that expresses the singer's love for someone who does not love him back. The chorus goes: "As you wish, my darling / You can have anything / But please don't leave me / As you wish, my darling / You can have everything / But please don't leave me alone."
  • The game Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic features a character named HK-47, who is a sarcastic and homicidal droid. He often says "as you wish" to his master, but he means that he does not care about their orders or wishes. For example, if his master tells him to stop killing people, he says: "As you wish, master. I will enter into a low-power state until combat commences again."

Other Ways to Say "As You Wish"

Here are some synonyms for the idiom:

10 Frequently Asked Questions About "As You Wish"

Here are some frequently asked questions about this idiom:

  • What does "as you wish" mean?

The idiom "as you wish" is a polite way of saying that you will do what someone else wants, even if you do not agree with it or like it. It can also express love, devotion, or obedience to someone. It can also be used sarcastically or ironically to show disagreement or annoyance.

  • What is the origin of the phrase "as you wish"?

The idiom "as you wish" origin is unclear. However, one possible explanation is that the phrase may have been derived from the older expression "as you please," meaning similar to doing what someone else wants.

  • Is "as you wish" formal or informal?

The idiom "as you wish" can be used in both formal and informal situations, depending on the speaker's context and tone. However, using it in informal settings, such as with friends, family, or lovers, is more common. It may sound too casual, rude, or sarcastic in formal settings, such as with bosses, teachers, or strangers.

  • Is "as you wish" rude or polite?

The idiom "as you wish" can be either rude or polite, depending on the speaker's context and tone. If said sincerely and warmly, it can show politeness, respect, or affection to someone with authority or importance over you. If said sarcastically or coldly, it can show rudeness, contempt, or annoyance to someone making unreasonable or unfair demands on you.

  • Is "as you wish" a compliment or an insult?

The idiom "as you wish" can be either a compliment or an insult, depending on the speaker's context and tone. If said sincerely and warmly, it can be a compliment expressing love, devotion, or admiration for someone important to you. If said sarcastically or coldly, it can be an insult that implies disagreement, resentment, or frustration with someone trying to control you.

  • Is "as you wish" commonly used in everyday conversation?

No, "as you wish" is not commonly used in everyday conversation. It is often associated with formal or archaic language and is frequently found in literature, movies, or romantic contexts.

  • Can "as you wish" be used sarcastically?

Yes, "as you wish" can be used sarcastically to imply that you are begrudgingly agreeing to something, even though you don't really want to do it. The tone and context determine whether it's meant sincerely or sarcastically.

  • Is "as you wish" synonymous with "whatever you want"?

Yes, "as you wish" is synonymous with "whatever you want." Both phrases convey a willingness to accommodate someone's desires.

  • Is there a romantic connotation to "as you wish"?

Yes, "as you wish" is often associated with romance, thanks to its prominent use in the movie "The Princess Bride." In the film, it represents Westley's deep love and willingness to do anything for Buttercup.

  • Can "as you wish" be used in written communication?

Yes, "as you wish" can be used in written communication, such as letters or emails, to convey a polite and accommodating tone. However, it's important to consider the context and formality of the communication.

Final Thoughts About "As You Wish"

The idiom "as you wish" is a versatile and expressive phrase with different meanings and tones depending on the context and the speaker.

In summary:

  • It means you will do what someone else wants, even if you disagree.
  • It often expresses love, devotion, or obedience to someone.
  • It can also be used sarcastically or ironically to show disagreement or annoyance.
  • It can be used in formal and informal situations but is more common in everyday settings.
  • It can be either a compliment or an insult, depending on the intention and emotion of the speaker.
  • It has many synonyms, alternatives, related idioms, antonyms, and translations in other languages.

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