Dead Sea fruit

American  

noun

1. something that appears to be beautiful or full of promise but is in reality nothing but illusion and disappointment.

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Etymology

Origin of Dead Sea fruit

First recorded in 1810–20

Example Sentences

Illustrated 50     Charlotte's Inheritance 35     Dead Men's Shoes 40     Dead Sea Fruit.

From Project Gutenberg

The Dead Sea fruit assumes the most glorious mystic appearance ... although it is the intention that decides primarily whether white or black magic is exercised, yet the results even of involuntary sorcery cannot fail to be productive of bad Karma....

From Project Gutenberg

What did it matter in this Vale of Content that beyond the outer mountains men were sweating and struggling for Dead Sea fruit.

From Project Gutenberg

Have you learned the secret of perpetual youth that you deliberately fritter away its golden moments in order to rush after the Dead Sea fruit of domination and power?

From Project Gutenberg

And because of that, because he knew that there was not one spark yet in her heart which Love had kindled, that Love itself was still lying dormant within her, gagged and bound even in his sleep, kept in subjection thus pinioned and helpless by masterful self-will and by obstinate pride, he would not yield to the temptation of culling the Dead Sea fruit, that would inevitably turn to ashes, even as his lips first tasted its fleeting, if intoxicating savour.

From Project Gutenberg