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

Schweckerle had to bite into a bitter apple several times, as one after another of his children faithlessly abandoned him.

From The Adventures of the U-202 An Actual Narrative by Spiegel, E.

I never prayed that you couldn't eat a bitter apple.

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

One of the principal ingredients in the mummy balsam is colocynth, or bitter apple, powdered.

From The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 14, No. 398, November 14, 1829 by Various

Dat ole blue mass and bitter apple would keep us out all night.

From Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves: Volume XVI, Texas Narratives, Part 3 by United States. Work Projects Administration