siren song

siren song

See also: sirensong and Siren song

English

Alternative forms

• Siren song, Siren's song, siren's song, sirensong

Etymology

From the songs of the sirens in Greek mythology, whose bewitching song lured mariners to their doom.

Noun

siren song (plural siren songs)

1. (idiomatic) An enticing but dangerous appeal, especially a misleading one.
   • 1914, Jack London, "The Sea Farmer" in The Strength of the Strong:

     Romance never sang to him her siren song, and Adventure had never shouted in his sluggish blood.

   • 2009 March 26, Michael Elliott, "Global Trade: The Road to Ruin," Time:

     Said World Bank president Robert Zoellick: "Leaders must not heed the siren song of protectionist fixes. Economic isolationism can lead to a negative spiral of events."

Synonyms

• allure, enticement, siren call, temptation

Translations

enticing but dangerous appeal

Finnish: seireenien laulu Italian: canto della sirena m

Spanish: canto de sirena m

See also

• clarion call

Anagrams

• Ingersons, nose rings, noserings