poison-pen letter
- a letter written in malice, usually anonymously, and intended to abuse, frighten, or insult the recipient
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Idioms and Phrases with poison-pen letter
poison-pen letter
A letter, usually anonymous, that makes malicious statements about the recipient or a third party. For example, She told the police about the poison-pen letters, but they said they couldn't pursue the matter. [Early 1900s]
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The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.