fruit

bear fruit

if something someone does bears fruit, it produces successful results. The work he began did not bear fruit until after his death.

See also: bear

the bitter fruits (literary)

the unpleasant results of something. Disease and malnutrition are the bitter fruits of an inefficient social healthcare policy.

See also: bitter

forbidden fruit

something that you want very much but are not allowed to have, especially a sexual relationship. He'd spent many years lusting after his brother's wife - the forbidden fruit.

the fruit of your loins (humorous)

your children. The fruit of my loins you may be, but that doesn't mean I have to look after you all my life!

See also: loin

---

bear fruit

1. to produce a result that is wanted or desired. Some of the changes in the election laws are already bearing fruit.

2. to produce successful results. Opening a new store in San Francisco has already borne fruit for the company.

Etymology: based on the idea that getting results is like getting fruit from a plant

See also: bear