­
poisoned chalice in The AnswerBank: Phrases & Sayings
Donate SIGN UP

poisoned chalice

Avatar Image
tony mcscaff | 09:08 Fri 31st Aug 2007 | Phrases & Sayings
5 Answers
where does the saying poisoned chalice come from
Gravatar
Rich Text Editor, the_answer

Answers

1 to 5 of 5rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by tony mcscaff. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
The idea is a lot older - the image is of a communion cup which contains poisoned wine, so looks as though it should do you good, but does the opposite - but the most famous instance is in Macbeth

this even-handed justice
Commends the ingredients of our poisoned chalice
To our own lips. Act 1 Scene 7

Question Author
thank you Dundurn
The term "poisoned chalice" is applied to a thing or situation which appears to be good when it is received or experienced by someone, but then becomes or is found to be bad. The idea was referred to by Benedict of Nursia in one of his exorcisms, found on the Saint Benedict Medal: Vade retro Satana! Nunquam suade mihi vana! Sunt mala quae libas. Ipse venena bibas! (Begone Satan! Never tempt me with your vanities! What you offer me is evil. Drink the poison yourself!).

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chalice_(cup)#Poi soned_Chalice

Question Author
Thank you VS PRASADfor an in depth answer
Incidentally, in A Yankee in the Court of King Arthur, Danny Kaye had to remember: The chalice from the Palace has the lotion with the potion,The vessel with the pestle is the brew that is true.

1 to 5 of 5rss feed

Do you know the answer?

poisoned chalice

Answer Question >>
Complete your gift to make an impact

The Answer Bank needs your help! Please turn off your adblocker to keep this site operational. Click the button below for guidance.

Did you know we are funded by ads? When you turn off your adblocker, you help keep The Answer Bank running.

Frequently Asked Questions
I'm not using a blocker. Why am I seeing this message?
You're likely seeing this message because an app or extension on your computer is blocking ads. The app or extension may be a "privacy" or "malware" blocker, or a VPN.

I disabled my blocker. Why am I still seeing this message?
It's common to have two or more adblocking extensions running at the same time. See the question above.