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: --
I share some sympathy with him, if he does not regard that too much as a poisoned chalice, over the difficulties he is in.
What a poisoned chalice this post will prove to be to the unfortunate holder!
They took the poisoned chalice, drank from it.
He has been handed the poisoned chalice of housing.
History shows that immunity is a poisoned chalice.
A year or two ago he was handed the poisoned chalice.
In effect, we are being asked to abdicate our responsibility to the courts and to offer a poisoned chalice to the courts.
The figures provide distressing evidence that my generation has passed down a poisoned chalice.
