The phrase "cooks one's goose" is commonly used to mean to ruin one's chances or plans. The spelling of this phrase follows standard English spelling rules, with the exception of the silent "k" in "cooks" and the use of the letter "s" to represent the "z" sound in "goose". In IPA phonetic transcription, the phrase would be written as /kʊks wʌnz guːs/, with the stress on the first syllable of "cooks" and the second syllable of "goose".
The phrase "cooks one's goose" is an idiomatic expression that means to ruin someone's chances or plans, typically by causing their downfall, defeat, or failure. This phrase is derived from the act of cooking a goose, which once prepared, becomes inedible and loses its potential. The term is commonly used metaphorically to describe situations where someone's prospects are dashed or their hopes are destroyed.
When someone's goose is cooked, it implies that their opportunities or desired outcome have been irreversibly jeopardized. This phrase is often used to depict situations where someone's plans or strategies have been thwarted or subverted, leading to their ultimate undoing or disappointment.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to historical times when cooking a goose was considered a luxurious meal, often served during special occasions. The image of a ruined, burnt, or overcooked goose serves as a powerful metaphor to indicate that someone's aspirations or objectives have been irretrievably ruined or spoiled.
As a result, "cooking one's goose" is a widely understood expression used to convey the notion of sudden and irreversible failure or ruining someone's prospects in various contexts, such as personal relationships, sports, business, or any other endeavors where the thwarting of one's plans can have significant consequences.