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.

Pronunciation

• Audio (AU)

  (file)

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”, in 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
• Swedish: sirensång c

See also

• clarion call

Anagrams

• Ingersons, nose rings, noserings