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

Then he would tell her of his dreams, which once had seemed as if they must turn to Dead Sea fruit, but were now all bright and glowing with glad promise of fulfillment.

From The Reason Why by Glyn, Elinor

I have bartered away life, faith, and happiness for Dead Sea fruit; I, who once was young, and not altogether as I now am, a soulless creature of clay!

From The World's Greatest Books — Volume 05 — Fiction by Mee, Arthur

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

From Among the Canadian Alps by Burpee, Lawrence J. (Lawrence Johnstone)

Everything I may get in life could be but Dead Sea fruit now!

From The Day of Judgment by Hocking, Joseph