darnel
/ˈdɑːrnəl/
noun
- A type of grass that grows as a weed in grain fields, especially wheat, and can be harmful if its seeds are mixed with flour.
- The field was overrun with darnel, so the gardener had to pull it out by hand.
- The farmer carefully removed the darnel from his wheat crop to keep the harvest pure.
- In ancient times, darnel was a serious problem because its seeds look like wheat but can cause sickness.
- Something that looks good or useful on the surface but is actually harmful or worthless; a deceptive weed.
- She learned to spot the darnel in online offers that seemed too good to be true.
- The cheap investment turned out to be darnel, promising profit but causing loss.
- In the story, the villain's kindness was darnel, hiding his true evil intentions.