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REFERENCE

poison pen

idiom

A manner, means, or tone of expression had by a written work, characterized by spitefulness, defamation, and/or intimidation directed toward a person, organization, or point of view.


Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    name one's poison

    To indicate what type of alcoholic beverage one wishes to be served.

  2. 02

    pen picture

    A written description, often biographical.

  3. 03

    poison

    An alcoholic drink. (Mainly in the phrases "name your poison" and "what's your poison?")

  4. 04

    put pen to paper

    To write something (especially using pen and ink).

  5. 05

    slip of the pen

    A mistake in handwriting; (loosely) any minor error by the writer that made it into print, having not been caught by editors or proofreaders.

  6. 06

    taste of one's own poison

    Synonym of taste of one's own medicine.

  7. 07

    the pen is mightier than the sword

    More influence and power can be usurped by writing than by fighting.

  8. 08

    what's your poison

    Used to someone what alcoholic beverage they would like to drink: what drink would you like to have?

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