wishing well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wishing well" is correct and can be used in English.
It is commonly used to refer to a well or pool where people can throw coins as an offering or for good luck. For example, "She threw a coin into the wishing well and closed her eyes, hoping her wish would come true."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Political wishing well".

The New Yorker

Vignette (Wishing Well), 2010.

Princeton University

Love is letting go and wishing well.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It's like some sort of New York wishing well.

The New York Times

Sure enough, out back is that wishing well.

The New York Times - Arts

Arriving guests tossed faux-Tuscan coins into a wishing well.

The New York Times - Travel

Wishing well to entire states and towns of people they don't even know!

The New Yorker

On a small pad, Mr. Cohen drew a circle to represent a wishing well.

The New York Times

They glitter like the coins at the bottom of a wishing well.

The New York Times - Food

Wishing Well Way, 12886-Aimee L. Harris to Gerald Allen Mazur, $365,000.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

But she noticed that "none of them received any flowers, the simplest gesture of caring and wishing-well".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "wishing well" in writing, ensure the context aligns with its traditional meaning: a place where people drop coins and make a wish. Using it metaphorically can add depth to your writing, but clarity is crucial.

Common error

Avoid using "wishing well" to describe any act of wishing or hoping. It specifically refers to the physical structure and the associated tradition of tossing coins into it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wishing well" functions primarily as a noun, specifically a compound noun, denoting a physical structure associated with making wishes. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is commonly used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

15%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wishing well" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase referring to a well where people traditionally make wishes by tossing coins. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is widely accepted in English. Its usage spans various contexts, primarily appearing in news and media, but also finding relevance in academic and informal settings. When writing, it's important to use "wishing well" in contexts that align with its traditional meaning or in a well-defined metaphorical sense to avoid misinterpretation. Related phrases such as "fountain of hope" or "well of dreams" can offer alternative ways to convey similar ideas.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wishing fountain

Swaps the word "well" for "fountain", referring to a similar structure and concept.

fountain of hope

Emphasizes the hopeful aspect, replacing the traditional structure with a more metaphorical image.

well of dreams

Focuses on the dreams and wishes associated with the well, rather than the physical structure.

place of wishes

Abstracts the concept, focusing on the location where wishes are made.

charity collection point

Highlights the act of donating money, shifting the focus from wishes to charitable giving.

site of hope

Highlights the feeling of hope associated with the place.

good luck charm

Refers to the "wishing well" as something believed to bring good fortune.

coin-collecting well

Focuses on the physical function of collecting coins.

hopeful destination

Describes the "wishing well" as a place people visit with hopes and desires.

treasure trove of dreams

A metaphorical phrase indicating a place full of wishes and aspirations.

FAQs

How to use "wishing well" in a sentence?

You can use "wishing well" in a sentence to describe a place where people make wishes by throwing coins, for example, "She tossed a penny into the "wishing well" hoping her dreams would come true."

What is the significance of a "wishing well"?

A "wishing well" is traditionally a place where people believe they can make a wish come true by dropping a coin into the water. It symbolizes hope, dreams, and the act of making an offering for good luck.

What are some common locations for "wishing wells"?

"Wishing wells" can be found in various public places, such as parks, gardens, and tourist attractions. Some are historical sites, while others are created for decorative or charitable purposes.

What can I say instead of "wishing well"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "fountain of hope", "well of dreams", or "charity collection point" if you're focusing on the act of giving.