Learn English – Common phrases for something that appears good but is actually bad

phrase-requests

What are common phrases that describe something that appears good but is actually bad?

Edit: Because people say bad is vague I will try to sum up the phrase meaning a little better.

  • something that looks like it will be helpful or advantageous but after use it is hindering

  • a tool that seems useful but is not the correct tool for the job

  • something that seems like a good idea but after execution turns out to be problematic

Best Answer

A poisoned chalice is something which seems good when received but actually does great harm.