PhrasesHub

Forbidden fruit

    Definitions

      • temptation
        Refers to something that is desirable or alluring, but is forbidden or off-limits, often due to social or moral reasons

      • regret
        Describes the feeling of longing or regret that arises from not being able to have or experience something that is forbidden

      • caution
        Serves as a warning against pursuing something that is forbidden, as it may have negative consequences or lead to undesirable outcomes

    Examples of Forbidden fruit

    • Alice was forbidden from eating the last cookie in the jar, but she couldn't resist the temptation and snuck a bite.

      The phrase "forbidden fruit" is used to describe something that is prohibited or deemed unlawful or unfavorable. In this example, Alice is not supposed to have the last cookie in the jar, but she chooses to disobey the rule and satisfy her cravings, regardless of the consequences that may follow.

    • After years of hard work and effort, Sarah's novel was finally published, but she faced heavy criticism from some literary circles. The negative reviews, however, only fueled Sarah's desire to prove them wrong, just as the beautiful apple in the Garden of Eden became too tantalizing for Eve to resist.

      Once again, the idiom "forbidden fruit" is employed to depict something unpleasant, such as harsh criticisms in this scenario. The comparison with the Biblical story refers to the idea that the object, in this case, the novel, is deemed unfavorable and therefore, it becomes a great challenge to resist its appeal.

    • Maya's boyfriend admitted to cheating on her, but she chose to overlook the infidelity, for she couldn't bear to lose him. She knew that she should avoid such apples as they could ruin her happiness, but the love was too strong to ignore.

      This example reflects another instance of the "forbidden fruit" idiom, where the individual ignores the potential risks to satisfy the craving for something they're not supposed to have, such as Maya's decision to continue her relationship despite her partner's violation of trust.

    • Jerry's teenage child had been caught smoking cigarettes, which he knew was strictly forbidden. Though naturally, Jerry was angered and disappointed, he understood that his teenager's desire for cigarettes was typical for teenagers, and now it becomes his responsibility to make his child understand the adverse consequences that come with smoking, especially since cigarettes can be considered "forbidden fruit" for teenagers.

      This final case portrays the idiom's use to explain that sometimes, certain things may be strictly prohibited, such as smoking cigarettes for teenagers, and individuals may succumb to temptation. Here, Jerry employs the "forbidden fruit" idiom to signify the cigarette as something which is strictly prohibited for the teenager, and it represents an enticing object that could lead to adverse effects on their health in the long run.

    • Sarah warned her daughter not to eat the apple she found in the garden, saying that it was forbidden fruit.

      In this example, "forbidden fruit" refers to something that is not allowed or restricted, typically because it is considered dangerous, immoral, or taboo. In this case, Sarah's daughter has found an apple in a garden, and Sarah is cautioning her not to eat it because it may have been planted there for a reason (such as being poisonous or belonging to someone else). This idiom highlights the idea that something that is off-limits can be tempting and alluring, despite the potential risks or consequences.

    • John's curiosity got the best of him when he saw the locked door in his boss's office. He wondered what was behind that forbidden door, and he couldn't resist trying to open it.

      Here, "forbidden door" is used to describe a place or thing that is meant to be kept secret or hidden, often because it holds sensitive or valuable information. John's boss may have locked the door to keep others from seeing or learning something important, but John's desire to know what is behind the door overrides his sense of caution and respect for his boss's privacy. This idiom illustrates the notion that forbidden things can hold a powerful draw, causing some people to disobey rules or take risks in order to satisfy their curiosity.

    • Tom has always had a fascination with the forbidden world of undercover police work. Despite the danger and the risks, he dreams of joining the ranks of secret agents and spies.

      In this example, "forbidden world" represents a profession, area of expertise, or lifestyle that is off-limits to most people. For Tom, the world of undercover police work is tantalizingly out of reach, and he cannot help but be intrigued by the idea of becoming a part of it. This idiom evokes the sense that some people are drawn to forbidden things simply because they are forbidden, implying that there is a certain thrill or excitement that can be associated with breaking the rules.

    • The conspiracy theories surrounding the secret government project were tantalizingly close to the truth, but everyone who investigated it disappeared without a trace. To some, it seemed like the forbidden knowledge was too dangerous to pursue, and they paid the price for their curiosity.

      In this example, "forbidden knowledge" refers to information or secrets that have been deliberately kept hidden, either because they are considered too sensitive or because they are difficult to explain or understand. Some people believe that the government is hiding a massive, sinister secret, and they are determined to uncover it, no matter the cost. However, as this example shows, some secrets are truly better left alone, as they can pose grave risks to those who seek them out. This idiom underscores the idea that some things are best left unexplored, as they can lead to danger, destruction, and ruin.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "forbidden fruit" can be used in various contexts to convey the idea of temptation, regret, or caution. It often refers to something that is forbidden or off-limits, but is desirable or alluring. It can also be used to warn against pursuing something that may have negative consequences.

    Origin of "Forbidden fruit"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In the story, God forbids Adam and Eve from eating the fruit from the tree of knowledge of good and evil. However, they are tempted by the serpent and ultimately give in to temptation, leading to their expulsion from the garden. This story has been interpreted in various ways, but the phrase "forbidden fruit" has become a commonly used metaphor for something that is forbidden, yet tempting.

    The idiom has also been used in literature, such as in John Milton's epic poem "Paradise Lost" where he refers to the forbidden fruit as the "fatal fruit." This further solidified the phrase's association with temptation and the consequences of giving in to it.

    In modern usage, the idiom is often used in a less literal sense, referring to anything that is off-limits or forbidden in a more figurative sense. It can also be used to describe the feeling of longing or regret for something that is forbidden or unattainable. Overall, the origin of the idiom "forbidden fruit" can be traced back to religious and literary sources, but it has evolved to have a broader meaning in modern usage.