forbidden fruit: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal and informal, primarily used in written and spoken language with a metaphorical or literary tone.
Quick answer
What does “forbidden fruit” mean?
A literal or metaphorical fruit that is prohibited from being consumed or obtained, originating from the biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A literal or metaphorical fruit that is prohibited from being consumed or obtained, originating from the biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Something that is desired or attractive precisely because it is not allowed, or that is inherently enticing due to its prohibited nature.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage; the phrase is equally understood in both varieties.
Connotations
Carries strong biblical and moral connotations, often invoking themes of temptation, sin, and curiosity.
Frequency
Slightly more common in American English in religious contexts, but overall frequency is similar.
Grammar
How to Use “forbidden fruit” in a Sentence
[Subject] + consider + [object] + forbidden fruit[Subject] + be + attracted to + forbidden fruit[Subject] + yield to + forbidden fruitVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used metaphorically to describe a risky but attractive market opportunity or a prohibited business practice that tempts employees.
Academic
Referenced in psychology (e.g., reactance theory), literature, and theology to discuss temptation and prohibition.
Everyday
Common in conversations about relationships, rules, and personal temptations (e.g., junk food when dieting).
Technical
Rare in technical contexts, except in specialized fields like behavioral economics or religious studies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “forbidden fruit”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “forbidden fruit”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “forbidden fruit”
- Using 'forbidden fruit' to refer to any fruit that is simply not allowed, without the metaphorical connotation of temptation.
- Incorrectly pluralizing as 'forbidden fruits' when the idiom is typically singular, though plural can be used in extended metaphors.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, while it originates from the story of Adam and Eve, it is now used broadly for any prohibited and tempting thing.
Yes, it can describe something alluring and exciting, though often with an undertone of risk or moral ambiguity.
It is acceptable in both formal and informal registers, but is more common in written and spoken language with a metaphorical tone.
Use it as a noun phrase, typically as the subject or object, to describe something tempting because it is forbidden, e.g., 'The secret club was forbidden fruit to the outsiders.'
A literal or metaphorical fruit that is prohibited from being consumed or obtained, originating from the biblical story of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.
Forbidden fruit: in British English it is pronounced /fəˈbɪd.ən fruːt/, and in American English it is pronounced /fərˈbɪd.ən fruːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The grass is always greener on the other side”
- “Curiosity killed the cat”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Remember the story of Adam and Eve: the one fruit they were told not to eat became the most desired.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS A FORBIDDEN FRUIT; TEMPTATION IS A SWEET FRUIT.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the meaning of 'forbidden fruit'?