I think it's a metalepsis [0] on "poison tongue" which is a Biblical reference for slander/libel: Quoth the ChatGPT: > The term “poison tongue” is often used

I think it's a metalepsis [0] on "poison tongue" which is a Biblical reference for slander/libel: Quoth the ChatGPT: > The term “poison tongue” is often used to describe someone who speaks in a way that is hurtful, malicious, or deceitful. It is a metaphorical expression that refers to the power of words to cause harm and pain. The Bible, in James 3:8, describes the tongue as “a restless evil, full of deadly poison” [1]. The phrase “poison tongue” can also be used to describe someone who is critical or judgmental of others [2]. > In modern usage, the term “poison tongue” is often associated with gossip and slander. It can refer to someone who spreads rumors or speaks ill of others behind their backs [3]. [0] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metalepsis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Metalepsis [1] https://www.bibleref.com/James/3/James-3-8.html https://www.bibleref.com/James/3/James-3-8.html [2] https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison#:~:text=a%20poison%20plant-,a%20poison%20tongue,-2 https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/poison#:~:text=a%... [3] https://www.gotquestions.org/the-tongue-is-a-fire.html https://www.gotquestions.org/the-tongue-is-a-fire.html