0 something that seems very good when it is first received, but in fact does great harm to the person who receives it:
The leadership of the party turned out to be a poisoned chalice.
1 something that seems very good when it is received, but that in fact may be harmful to the person who receives it:
He was instructed to assume charge immediately, and report back, but he clearly regarded this ostensible promotion as a poisoned chalice.
It is a poisoned chalice, make no mistake about it.
I only hope that his ministerial career will not be affected by the poisoned chalice that he has been handed today.
I do not believe that my statement will be seen as a poisoned chalice.
At the outset many people saw our task as a "poisoned chalice".
I shall not speak of a poisoned chalice, but it is pretty sour wine.
Tuition fees are merely the lid on the poisoned chalice.
The figures provide distressing evidence that my generation has passed down a poisoned chalice.
