bottle imp: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Literary, Literary Analysis, Idiomatic
Quick answer
What does “bottle imp” mean?
A fictional genie or spirit contained in a bottle, typically granting wishes with malevolent consequences.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A fictional genie or spirit contained in a bottle, typically granting wishes with malevolent consequences.
A metaphor for a tempting offer that leads to ruinous results; a situation or deal where short-term gain results in long-term disaster.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Recognition may be slightly higher in UK English due to Robert Louis Stevenson's influence.
Connotations
Identical: danger, temptation, ironic punishment, inescapable contract.
Frequency
Very low frequency in both, primarily in literary discussions. Slightly more likely to be recognized in academic/literary contexts.
Grammar
How to Use “bottle imp” in a Sentence
The X is a bottle imp.They found themselves in a bottle imp situation.He had purchased a bottle imp.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bottle imp” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The scheme had a bottle-imp quality to it.
American English
- It was a bottle-imp kind of deal.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Describing a lucrative merger that later destroys both companies.
Academic
Analyzing thematic elements of temptation in Gothic literature.
Everyday
Rare. Possibly used figuratively: 'This cheap mortgage is turning into a bottle imp.'
Technical
Not applicable in STEM fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bottle imp”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bottle imp”
- Confusing it with a simple 'genie in a bottle' (which is generally benign).
- Using it to describe any difficult situation without the element of a self-inflicted, inescapable trap.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency literary and figurative term. Most people would understand it from context in a discussion about deals with negative consequences.
It originates from Robert Louis Stevenson's 1891 short story 'The Bottle Imp', which popularized the specific concept of a wish-granting imp whose ownership brings damnation.
A genie (from Arabian folklore) may be neutral or benevolent. A bottle imp is explicitly malevolent and its magic always corrupts or backfires, embodying a curse.
No, it is exclusively a noun (and occasionally a compound adjective). It does not have verbal forms in standard usage.
A fictional genie or spirit contained in a bottle, typically granting wishes with malevolent consequences.
Bottle imp is usually literary, literary analysis, idiomatic in register.
Bottle imp: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbɒtl ɪmp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbɑːtl ɪmp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To be caught in a bottle imp dilemma.”
- “It's the old bottle imp story.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a bottle of 'imp'-ortant decisions: once you open it (make the wish/deal), you can't control the terrible consequences that fly out.
Conceptual Metaphor
TEMPTATION IS A CONTAINED EVIL SPIRIT / A BAD DEAL IS A CURSED OBJECT.
Practice
Quiz
In its extended metaphorical sense, 'bottle imp' most closely relates to which concept?