# poison pen

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/poison-pen
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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.

## Examples

- He received a poison pen letter full of cruel lies.
- The politician was shocked to find a poison pen note left on his desk, filled with hateful accusations from an anonymous source.
- The journalist was known for her poison pen style, frequently using her column to systematically destroy the reputations of those who dared to disagree with her.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.