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

The penalties imposed upon her were Dead Sea fruit.

From Time Magazine Archive

Regarding all English possessions as peculiarly productive in the Dead Sea fruit of diabolism, Singapore was the next scene of his curious researches.

From Devil-Worship in France or The Question of Lucifer by Waite, Arthur Edward

Others were blown off suddenly, And prematurely—all the elements enraged against them; And others, like the Dead Sea fruit, Were rotten at the heart before their prime!

From The Continental Monthly, Vol. 5, No. 5, May, 1864 Devoted To Literature And National Policy by Various

Typical of his method is his examination of the Dead Sea fruit.

From History of the Warfare of Science with Theology in Christendom by White, Andrew Dickson

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 Petticoat Rule by Orczy, Emmuska Orczy, Baroness