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Snake in the grass

//ˈsneɪk ɪn ðə ˈɡɹɑːs// noun, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A hidden enemy. derogatory, informal

    "The trouble is, I trusted him too much from the start. He has proved to be a snake in the grass."

  2. 2
    a deceitful or treacherous person wordnet

Etymology

Calque of Latin latet anguis in herbā (literally “a snake hides in the grass”), from Eclogue III by the Roman poet Virgil (traditionally 70 – 19 B.C.E.). Compare Dutch addertje onder het gras.

See also for "snake in the grass"

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