"Wish away" is a common phrase that refers to the act of trying to make a problem go away by simply wishing it didn't exist. It is pronounced /wɪʃ əˈweɪ/ in IPA phonetic transcription, with the first syllable being pronounced like the word "wish" and the second syllable sounding like the word "away". The phonetic spelling shows that the stress is on the second syllable, with the "a" in "away" being pronounced as a schwa sound.
To "wish away" is an idiomatic expression derived from the verb "wish" and frequently used in informal speech or writing. It refers to the act of desiring or hoping for something to disappear or disappear magically, either in one's imagination or as a form of wishful thinking. The phrase is often employed when an individual wants to avoid facing a challenging situation, uncomfortable emotions, or difficult responsibilities. It implies that the person in question prefers to turn a blind eye or ignore a particular issue, rather than taking proactive measures to address or resolve it.
"Wish away" can also be interpreted as a form of escapism or a coping mechanism. It suggests a strong desire to eradicate problems or obstacles without any actual effort or action being taken. It is often associated with daydreaming or fantasizing about an ideal scenario in which the undesired situation or feeling no longer exists, wishing for a better or more desirable outcome by mere thought.
The phrase can be used in various contexts, such as wishing away stress, anxiety, pain, or any other negative experiences one might encounter. However, while daydreaming or fantasizing can provide temporary relief or comfort, "wishing away" alone seldom leads to practical or sustainable resolutions.
The phrase "wish away" is a combination of the word "wish" and the verb "away".
The word "wish" originates from the Old English word "wiscan", which means "to wish, desire, or long for". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "wiskijaną" meaning "to wish or desire". This term shares a common root with the Old Norse word "víska" and the Old High German word "wiskan".
The term "away" is derived from the Old English word "onweg" or "aweg" which means "on or at a distance" or "from a place". It is a combination of the preposition "on" and the word "weg", which means "way or path".