Poison pen Meaning in English
expression
释义
A 'poison pen' is a letter or message written to harm, insult, or upset someone, usually sent anonymously and containing cruel or malicious comments.
用法与细微差别
'Poison pen' is almost always used in the phrase 'poison pen letter.' It refers to written communication—mostly anonymous—filled with insults, slander, or spite. Very formal or literary; rarely used in spoken conversation. Not about actual poison—it's a metaphor for harmful words.
例句
He received a poison pen letter from an unknown person.
basic
A poison pen message hurt her feelings a lot.
basic
The company got a poison pen complaint about its service.
basic
A poison pen letter started rumors at school.
natural
After getting a poison pen note, he became very cautious about his coworkers.
natural
Don’t let a poison pen letter get to you; it's just hateful gossip.
natural