What Does "Poisoned Chalice" Mean?
"Poisoned chalice" is an English idiom. It is a metaphorical expression referring to a gift, opportunity, or position that appears desirable but is likely to bring trouble or difficulties.Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "poisoned chalice" used in a sentence:- He considered the promotion to be a poisoned chalice, as it would require him to work longer hours and face more stress.
- The leadership of the struggling company was seen as a poisoned chalice, given the numerous challenges it presented.
- Accepting the role felt like drinking from a poisoned chalice, as it came with high expectations and limited resources.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Poisoned Chalice" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
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