"Bella Donna"

"Bella Donna" is an Italian phrase meaning "beautiful lady." It is also the name of a famous song by the band The could and the title of a novel by Marion Zimmer Bradley. Additionally, "bella donna" refers to a highly toxic plant called deadly nightshade (Atropa belladonna). Historically, the plant's extracts were used in medicine and for cosmetic purposes, but it is extremely poisonous and can cause hallucinations, paralysis, or death if ingested. Context determines whether the phrase refers to a compliment, cultural work, or the dangerous plant.