what's your poison
Used to someone what alcoholic beverage they would like to drink: what drink would you like to have?
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“We are at the bar, so tell me, what's your poison?”
“The host greeted his guests warmly and asked, "What's your poison for the evening?"”
“As the evening progressed, the host circulated through the room with a tray of spirits, asking each guest what's your poison.”
The phrase is derived from the informal use of poison to denote an intoxicating drink or liquor, a classification based upon the literal fact that such beverages are toxic to the human body.
- 01
get what's coming to one
To experience the consequences of one's actions.
- 02
name one's poison
To indicate what type of alcoholic beverage one wishes to be served.
- 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.
- 04
poisoned chalice
Something which is initially regarded as advantageous but which is later recognized to be disadvantageous or harmful; an apparently beneficial or benign instrument or scheme for causing death or harm.
- 05
taste of one's own poison
Synonym of taste of one's own medicine.
- 06
what's cooking
A greeting, similar to how are you?; what's happening?; what's up?; what's new?
- 07
what's eating
What is wrong with...? What is the problem with... (somebody)? Inquired regarding somebody who seems upset, worried, angry, etc.
- 08
what's eating you
What is annoying or bothering you?
Last updated August 10, 2026