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

See Examples For:

bitter apple

“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

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

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 L. M. (Lucy Maud) Montgomery

"So you've plucked that bitter apple at last!" he answered, in a tone of regret.

From Cobwebs and Cables by Hesba Stretton

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 E. Spiegel