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snake in the grass

British pronunciation/snˈeɪk ɪnðə ɡɹˈas/
American pronunciation/snˈeɪk ɪnðə ɡɹˈæs/
snake in the grass
[PHRASE]
1

a person who has a tendency to deceive or mislead others and is very likely to betray their trust

synonyms : snake
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What is the origin of the idiom "snake in the grass" and when to use it?

The origin of the idiom "snake in the grass" can be traced back to ancient times, rooted in the association of snakes with cunning and danger. The phrase has its origins in classical literature, such as Aesop's fables and Virgil's works, where snakes symbolized deceitfulness and hidden threats. Over time, the expression evolved to represent individuals who appear harmless or friendly on the surface but possess malicious intentions or act in a treacherous manner.

Examples
1Somebody's ex is a little snake in the grass.
2The same microchips that Collin is investigating, who just so happens to be heading his own subunit of the SIU He got promoted, which is good for a snake in the grass, like Collin.
3You go: "They're a snake in the grass."
4You can have a friend who's a snake in the grass.
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