What does “Snake in the grass” mean?
"Snake in the grass" means a person who appears friendly or harmless but is actually deceitful or treacherous.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I thought he was my friend, but he turned out to be a snake in the grass.
Example
Be careful who you trust, there may be a snake in the grass among us.
Example
She seemed nice at first, but she's proven to be a snake in the grass
Is “Snake in the grass” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Snake in the grass” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Snake in the grass” effectively in context?
You can use "Snake in the Grass" to describe someone who appears friendly or harmless but is actually deceitful or treacherous. It emphasizes the need to be cautious and not trust appearances alone. For example, if a friend warns you about someone who seems nice but has a history of betraying others, you might say, 'I'll keep an eye on them. I don't want to be fooled by another snake in the grass.'
- 1Friendships
I thought he was my friend, but he turned out to be a snake in the grass.
- 2Trust
Be careful who you trust, there may be a snake in the grass among us.
- 3First Impressions
She seemed nice at first, but she's proven to be a snake in the grass.
Similar phrases to “Snake in the grass”:
Two-faced
Someone who acts differently in different situations, often being deceitful
Example
I can't trust her. She's so two-faced.
Someone who betrays a person's trust or friendship
Example
I never expected him to be such a backstabber.
Double-crosser
Someone who deceives or betrays another person
Example
She's a double-crosser. Don't trust her.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Snake in the grass” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Snake in the Grass" can be traced back to Aesop's fables, specifically the story of 'The Farmer and the Viper.' In the story, a farmer finds a snake freezing in the snow and takes it home to warm it up. Once the snake is revived, it bites the farmer, leading to his death. The moral of the story is that one should be cautious of those who have previously shown harmful intentions, as they are likely to repeat their behavior.
Is “Snake in the grass” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Snake in the Grass" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation. People often use it to warn others about individuals who may seem trustworthy but are actually deceitful or treacherous.
What tone does “Snake in the grass” have?
"Snake in the Grass" conveys a tone of caution and suspicion. It's often used to express disappointment or betrayal when someone turns out to be untrustworthy despite their initial appearance.
Can “Snake in the grass” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Snake in the Grass" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that warns against trusting appearances alone. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I can't believe he betrayed me like that. He turned out to be a real snake in the grass.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Watch out for snakes in the grass!' to imply the need for caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- deceitful person
- treacherous individual
- betraying friend
- untrustworthy person
- false friend
Antonyms
- trustworthy person
- loyal friend
- honest individual
- reliable person
