poisoned chalice



poisoned chalice

Something that initially appears to be good, wholesome, or positive, but is really harmful. Primarily heard in UK. We thought the change in leadership was going to have a positive effect on the organization, but it turned out to be a poisoned chalice.
See also: chalice, poison

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
RooseveltROZ-ə-veltEnglish
Halynahah-LI-nahUkrainian
'Ednah-Biblical Hebrew
Lelle-Swedish
Kalev (1)-Estonian
KennethKEN-ith (Scottish, English)Scottish, English, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish