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

There was now a delicate odor, everywhere, faintly, like the blossom of the little bitter apple here in your country.

From The Sleuth of St. James's Square by Post, Melville Davisson

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

"He's praying that you'll never be able to eat a bitter apple without making a face," she said.

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

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