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)

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)

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)