a poisoned 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.
See also: chalice, poison
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

a poisoned chalice

mainly BRITISH
If you describe a job or an opportunity as a poisoned chalice, you mean that it seems at first to be very attractive but in time will probably cause failure or trouble. She claims that the president appointed his former rival only in the belief that he was giving him a poisoned chalice and that he would not last more than a year. The contract may yet prove to be a poisoned chalice. Note: A chalice is an old-fashioned cup or goblet, usually made of metal and shaped like a wine glass.
See also: chalice, poison
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

a poisoned chalice

something that is apparently desirable but likely to be damaging to the person to whom it is given.
1998 New Scientist Anyone who discovers a superconductor that works at room temperature may be handing the world a poisoned chalice…the material might be too toxic to be usable.
See also: chalice, poison
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

a poisoned ˈchalice

(especially British English) a thing which seems attractive when it is given to somebody but which soon becomes unpleasant: He inherited a poisoned chalice when he took over the job as union leader.
A chalice is a large cup for holding wine.
See also: chalice, poison
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • chalice
  • poisoned chalice
  • dodge
  • dodge a bullet
  • do a job on
  • do a job on (someone or something)
  • do a job on someone
  • do a job on someone/something
  • tamper
  • tamper with (something)
References in periodicals archive
"Any sympathy for her being handed a poisoned chalice when it comes to Brexit is misplaced" Her plaintive parting call for others to afford her successor more compromise rang hollow to those who blame her own intransigence for this crisis.
Sympathy for broken PM is misplaced; The Voice of the North
Mrs May was handed a poisoned chalice when entering number 10 - a potion the lady has supped well.
PM copes with poisoned chalice [...]; LETTERS
It seems the deputy post is a poisoned chalice with a number of senior members of the party declining to throw their hat into the ring.
Deputy is unwanted role; RECORD READERS
But why do I get the feeling this is a poisoned chalice.
We'll foot bill for 2022 jamboree; Get in touch - tell us what you think Email: letters@birminghammail.co.uk Twitter: @birminghammail Facebook: facebook.com/birminghammail Post: Birmingham Mail, 60 Church Street, Birmingham B3 2DJ
"I wouldn't say it was a poisoned chalice," he said.
Grayson: 'I know that I'm the right man for the job' THE PREVIEW: Sunderland v Bolton Wanderers 7.45pm, Stadium of Light
Moss was appointed to a poisoned chalice when it comes to Chelsea - not the easiest team to control."
MOURINHO 'TARNISHES' TOP FLIGHT
The Hartlepool job is a poisoned chalice and any manager would come to the same sticky end.
I'm saddened but not surprised at Cooper's Pools exit
AIDEN McGeady has admitted the job of Republic of Ireland manager has become "a poisoned chalice".
Poisoned chalice for next Ireland boss; FOOTBALL
It has been said the Hearts job is a poisoned chalice.
Hearts job is Stu crazy
The 39-year-old archaeological consultant said: "It's a bit of a poisoned chalice the England job especially at the minute.
YOU TELL US
* SIR - Regarding the offer of head coach of the British and Irish Lions to current Wales head coach, Warren Gatland, it is my view that this role would be a poisoned chalice for Mr Gatland.
A poisoned chalice; YOUR LETTERS TO THE NATIONAL NEWSPAPER OF WALES COMMENT & DEBATE
Incidentally, do we still have to put up with managers saying that they'd rather not win the Manager of the Month award because it is a poisoned chalice? I really hope not, because that nonsense lasted about a decade.
RPSPORT Warnock should avoid poisoned chalice; PICK OF THE DAY
"To say we will inherit a poisoned chalice if we win the general election is putting it mildly.
Hague: Brown is "poisoning the wells" for Tories
THE Fat Controller's plan to take cabinet meetings on tour - a gimmick stolen from Scottish first minister Alex Salmond who has already dragged his minions toDumfries, giving new meaning to the phrase Edinburgh Fringe - is a last desperate attempt to swap a poisoned chalice for a china tea service.
Gord off on tour