bitter apple

American  

noun

1. colocynth.

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bitter apple British  

noun

1. another name for colocynth

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Etymology

Origin of bitter apple

First recorded in 1860–65

Example Sentences

“You can also use something like bitter apple spray on the entire length of the lights, and that will deter any chewing.”

From Slate • Dec. 7, 2019

Look here, Peter," said Felix ominously, "they tell me that you've been praying right along that I couldn't eat a bitter apple.

From The Story Girl by Montgomery, L. M. (Lucy Maud)

And when he had prayed three nights after this manner, he contrived to eat a bitter apple without a grimace until he came to the last bite, which proved too much for him.

From The Story Girl by Montgomery, L. M. (Lucy Maud)

Felix prayed earnestly that he might be enabled to eat a bitter apple without making a face.

From The Story Girl by Montgomery, L. M. (Lucy Maud)

Collinquintida Ð a bitter apple of the gourd family whose soft fruit made a purgative drug 59.

From The Noble Spanish Soldier by Dekker, Thomas