A poisoned chalice
noun
An opportunity that seems good but in fact can cause problems.
The leadership of the organization is seen as a poisoned chalice – nobody wants to take it.
Often appears as...
- accept a poisoned chalice
- offered a poisoned chalice
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
noun
An opportunity that seems good but in fact can cause problems.
The leadership of the organization is seen as a poisoned chalice – nobody wants to take it.
Often appears as...
- accept a poisoned chalice
- offered a poisoned chalice
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Consequences
Understand that this phrase implies negative outcomes that are not apparent at first.
He thought the promotion was great, but it turned out to be a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 2/3Beware Offers
Be cautious if someone eagerly offers you something; it could be a poisoned chalice.
They offered her the role without an interview, which felt like a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Warning
The phrase is often used to describe leadership roles that bring trouble along with prestige.
Taking over as CEO in this climate is a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Consequences
Understand that this phrase implies negative outcomes that are not apparent at first.
He thought the promotion was great, but it turned out to be a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 2/3Beware Offers
Be cautious if someone eagerly offers you something; it could be a poisoned chalice.
They offered her the role without an interview, which felt like a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Warning
The phrase is often used to describe leadership roles that bring trouble along with prestige.
Taking over as CEO in this climate is a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Consequences
Understand that this phrase implies negative outcomes that are not apparent at first.
He thought the promotion was great, but it turned out to be a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 2/3Beware Offers
Be cautious if someone eagerly offers you something; it could be a poisoned chalice.
They offered her the role without an interview, which felt like a poisoned chalice.
Pro Tip 3/3Leadership Warning
The phrase is often used to describe leadership roles that bring trouble along with prestige.
Taking over as CEO in this climate is a poisoned chalice.
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