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chalice

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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

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.

See also: chalice, poison