“Pick your poison” is a colloquial expression used to ask someone to make a choice, often between two or more unfavorable options, or to select their preference, particularly when it involves drinks or indulgences. If you want to diversify your language, here are alternative phrases that convey similar meanings.
Contents
Common Alternatives for “Pick Your Poison”
- “Choose your weapon”
- Often used playfully, especially in competitive or challenging situations.
- Example: “Choose your weapon—chess or cards?”
- “Name your vice”
- Suggests indulgence or guilty pleasures.
- Example: “We’ve got chocolate, wine, or ice cream. Name your vice.”
- “Take your pick”
- A straightforward and casual way to ask someone to make a choice.
- Example: “We’ve got tea or coffee—take your pick.”
- “What’s your pleasure?”
- A polite and slightly formal way to inquire about preferences.
- Example: “The bar’s open—what’s your pleasure?”
- “Choose your flavor”
- Works well when asking for a specific preference, often in casual contexts.
- Example: “Choose your flavor—chocolate or vanilla?”
Quirky and Playful Variations
- “Spin the wheel”
- Adds an element of randomness to the choice.
- Example: “Spin the wheel—pizza or burgers tonight?”
- “What’s your poison of choice?”
- A slight variation that keeps the original meaning intact but adds flair.
- Example: “What’s your poison of choice—cocktails or shots?”
- “Dealer’s choice”
- Suggests leaving the decision up to the person in charge, often in a casual or fun setting.
- Example: “What drink should I get? Dealer’s choice!”
- “Roll the dice”
- Implies taking a chance or making a risky choice.
- Example: “It’s your call—roll the dice and pick one.”
- “Take your poison pill”
- A more dramatic and edgy variation.
- Example: “You’ve got two options, neither great—take your poison pill.”
Situational and Context-Specific Options
- “Choose your fate”
- Works well in humorous or mock-serious scenarios.
- Example: “Choose your fate—early morning workout or extra work hours?”
- “Pick your path”
- Implies a broader or more philosophical decision.
- Example: “Pick your path—adventure or relaxation?”
- “Make your move”
- Encourages a decision, often in games or strategic contexts.
- Example: “Alright, make your move—chess or checkers?”
- “Select your indulgence”
- Best for settings involving treats or luxuries.
- Example: “Select your indulgence—cake or pie?”
- “Pick your card, any card”
- Adds a sense of mystery or fun, drawn from magic tricks.
- Example: “Pick your card, any card—what movie are we watching tonight?”
Casual Alternatives for Everyday Use
- “Your call”
- Keeps it short and simple.
- Example: “Dinner’s on you tonight—your call.”
- “Whatever floats your boat”
- Playful and encouraging personal preference.
- Example: “What do you want to drink? Whatever floats your boat!”
- “Your choice”
- A neutral and universal option.
- Example: “Your choice—early breakfast or brunch?”
- “Decide your destiny”
- Adds a dramatic flair to the decision.
- Example: “Decide your destiny—beach day or hiking trip?”
- “Select your sin”
- Works well when choices involve indulgences.
- Example: “We’ve got cake, cookies, or brownies—select your sin.”
