chalice

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'chalice' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a large cup or goblet, especially one used for drinking wine or other sacred liquids. Example: The priest lifted the golden chalice high above his head during the Eucharist ceremony.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Of course the presidency is a poisoned chalice," he said.

The Guardian

Russell's departure has led to speculation in the blogosphere that the role is something of a poisoned chalice as the same part was originally due to be played by Kevin Costner, who also quit.

The Guardian - Film

The same happened next door in Spain in November as Mariano Rajoy inherited a poison chalice from José Luis Zapatero.

The Guardian - Business

Cash then went into the realms of gothic horror when she described the unassuming Labor finance minister Penny Wong as "sitting reaping the spoils of the victory, drinking from the chalice of blood".

The Guardian

Gove, the new justice secretary, is probably unaware of how poisonous are the contents of the chalice passed into his hands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Gary Caldwell will have been aware the Wigan Athletic chalice he took possession of earlier this week had long been poisoned.

The Guardian - Sport

There is a fair bit of talent among a rising generation of Scottish Labour politicians but none of them is ready to quaff from the poisoned chalice that is leading the party north of the border.

The Guardian - Opinion

The position had become something of a poisoned chalice and a lot of people were suffering as a result.

The Guardian

It was, however, a poisoned chalice.

The Guardian

Still, he will be battling to win a poisoned chalice: within a month the new Fianna Fáil leader will almost certainly find him- or (less likely) herself leading a severely depleted and demoralised party in opposition.

The Economist

True, the former president's image has improved somewhat over the past month: 70% rather than 75% now say they disapprove of him, according to Ricardo Rouvier, a pollster.Rather, Mr Menem's resurgence stems from the weakness, or reluctance, of other potential contenders for the poisoned chalice that is Argentina's presidency.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "chalice" in a metaphorical sense (like "poisoned chalice"), ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of an undesirable situation or responsibility.

Common error

Avoid using "chalice" solely for its literal meaning (a cup) when the context implies a deeper, symbolic or metaphorical meaning. If you are referring to a literal cup, consider using a more general term like "cup" or "goblet".

Linguistic Context

The noun "chalice" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a specific type of cup, often with religious or ceremonial significance. Ludwig's examples show its use in both literal and figurative contexts, such as the idiom "poisoned chalice."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Reference

10%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "chalice" is a noun with a rich history and diverse applications, ranging from literal descriptions of ceremonial cups to metaphorical representations of difficult or undesirable situations. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is both grammatically sound and frequently used. Primarily found in news and media, and encyclopedic sources, its usage often carries a formal tone. When employing "chalice", particularly in the "poisoned chalice" idiom, it's crucial to ensure that the context clarifies the intended symbolic or metaphorical meaning. Be mindful of potentially more appropriate everyday alternatives like "cup" or "glass" if the formal connotation of "chalice" is unwarranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

goblet

Refers to a large, stemmed drinking vessel, similar to a "chalice".

sacred vessel

Emphasizes the religious significance of the "chalice".

poisoned cup

Emphasizes the negative aspect, focusing on the metaphorical meaning of a difficult or undesirable situation, similar to "poisoned chalice".

grail

Often associated with mythical or spiritual significance, similar to the symbolic use of "chalice".

cup

A more general term for a drinking vessel; "chalice" is a more formal and specific type of cup.

bitter pill

Like a "poisoned chalice", this denotes something unpleasant that must be accepted or endured.

drinking vessel

A broader term that encompasses various types of containers used for drinking, including a "chalice".

loving cup

A ceremonial cup passed around for sharing, similar to the communal aspect of a "chalice" in some contexts.

burden

Highlights the challenging or undesirable aspect, reflecting the 'poisoned chalice' metaphor.

ordeal

Another metaphorical term emphasizing the difficult experience, akin to drinking from a 'poisoned chalice'.

FAQs

What does "poisoned chalice" mean?

A "poisoned chalice" refers to a situation, responsibility, or position that appears attractive but is actually unpleasant or detrimental. It seems desirable on the surface but brings unforeseen problems and difficulties.

How can I use "chalice" in a sentence?

You can use "chalice" to describe a ceremonial cup, such as "The priest held the golden chalice during the sacrament." Or, metaphorically, as in "The new leadership role proved to be a "poisoned chalice"".

What are some synonyms for "chalice"?

Synonyms for "chalice" include "goblet", "cup", and "vessel". The best choice depends on the specific context and whether you wish to emphasize the ceremonial or metaphorical aspects.

Is it appropriate to use "chalice" in everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "chalice" is generally more formal and less common in everyday conversation. Unless referring to a specific ceremonial cup or using the "poisoned chalice" idiom, more common terms like "cup" or "glass" may be more suitable. If you are referring to something like a burden, consider using burden or "bitter pill".