Translation guide
A fruit that looks appealing but turns to ashes when touched; metaphorically, something that appears desirable but is ultimately worthless or disappointing.
The actual plant or fruit known as 'apple of Sodom' (Calotropis procera or similar species).
Direct translation used in botanical or biblical contexts.
ソドムのリンゴは見かけは美しいが、触ると崩れてしまう。
The apple of Sodom looks beautiful, but crumbles when touched.
Literally 'Dead Sea fruit', a common Japanese term for the same concept.
Describing a person, object, or situation that seems promising but turns out to be empty or disappointing.
While 'ソドムのリンゴ' is understood in biblical contexts, using it as a metaphor in everyday Japanese may sound unnatural. Opt for idiomatic expressions like '見かけ倒し' instead.
死海の果実は外見に惑わされてはいけないものの象徴だ。
The Dead Sea fruit is a symbol of things that shouldn't deceive you by their appearance.
Common phrase meaning 'all show, no substance' or 'disappointing compared to its appearance'.
あの新製品は見かけ倒しだった。
That new product was an apple of Sodom — all show and no substance.
Literally 'a palace on sand', meaning something that looks grand but has no solid foundation; often used for plans or dreams.
彼の計画は砂上の楼閣に過ぎない。
His plan is nothing but an apple of Sodom — a castle built on sand.
Literally 'a rice cake in a picture', meaning something that looks good but is useless in reality.
その提案は絵に描いた餅だ。
That proposal is an apple of Sodom — a pie in the sky.
Literally 'sheep's head, dog meat', meaning something that is falsely advertised or deceptive in quality.
この店の商品は羊頭狗肉だ。
The goods in this shop are apples of Sodom — a complete sham.