poisoned chalice
Definition of poisoned chalice
chiefly British
: something that seems attractive at first but becomes unpleasant For her, working as store manager was a poisoned chalice as it became more and more difficult to be the boss of her friends.
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Word by Word Definitions
: a substance that through its chemical action usually kills, injures, or impairs an organism
: something destructive or harmful
: an object of aversion or abhorrence
: to injure or kill with poison
: to treat, taint, or impregnate with or as if with poison
: to exert a baneful influence on : corrupt
: poisonous, venomous
: impregnated with poison : poisoned
: a drinking cup : goblet
: the eucharistic cup
: the cup-shaped interior of a flower
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