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.

a poisoned chalice

(British)

something that harms the person it is given to although it seemed very good when they first got it The leadership of the party turned out to be a poisoned chalice.

Common Names:

Name	Pronounced	Usage
BrÓNach	-	Irish
Kaoru	kah-o-ṙoo	Japanese
Audhild	-	Norwegian
Marnix	MAHR-niks	Dutch
Origenes	-	Ancient Greek
Iovianus	-	Ancient Roman