The phrase "When the gods wish to punish us, they answer our prayers" is a quote attributed to Oscar Wilde, from his play "An Ideal Husband" (1893). It means that sometimes what we ask for or desire is not actually in our best interest. When those desires or prayers are granted, they may lead to negative consequences or suffering, thus acting as a form of punishment. This phrase serves as a cautionary reminder to be careful what we wish or pray for, as getting exactly what we want might bring regret or unforeseen harm. In essence, it reflects the irony that getting our prayers answered can sometimes be a harsher fate than not having them answered at all.

The idea is that the gods—or metaphorically, fate or life itself—may "punish" us by fulfilling our requests in ways that reveal unforeseen problems or that prove detrimental, highlighting the complexity and unpredictability of human desires and outcomes.