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REFERENCE

what's your poison

idiom
Meaning

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


Origin

disputed origin

From poison (“(informal) intoxicating drink; liquor”), from the fact that such beverages are toxic to the human body.

Examples
SIMPLE

We are at the bar, so tell me, what's your poison?

CONTEXTUAL

The host greeted his guests warmly and asked, "What's your poison for the evening?"

COMPLEX

As the evening progressed, the host circulated through the room with a tray of spirits, asking each guest what's your poison.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    get what's coming to one

    To experience the consequences of one's actions.

  2. 02

    name one's poison

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

  3. 03

    poison pen

    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.

  4. 04

    taste of one's own poison

    Synonym of taste of one's own medicine.

  5. 05

    what's cooking

    A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?

  6. 06

    what's eating

    What is wrong with...? What is the problem with... (somebody)? Inquired regarding somebody who seems upset, worried, angry, etc.

  7. 07

    what's eating you

    What is annoying or bothering you?

  8. 08

    what's going on

    An informal greeting.

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