Snake in the grass
Meaning
A treacherous or deceitful person who conceals their true harmful intentions, often appearing harmless.
Origin
The chilling image of a hidden danger lurking unseen in seemingly harmless surroundings dates back to ancient times. The Roman poet Virgil, writing in the 1st century BCE, vividly captured this idea in his Eclogues with the Latin phrase "latet anguis in herba"—"a snake lurks in the grass." This evocative description painted a clear picture of a concealed threat, specifically a venomous viper lying in wait to strike an unsuspecting shepherd or animal. The phrase found its way into English, retaining its potent metaphor for a treacherous, deceitful person who appears harmless but secretly plots harm or betrayal.
Examples
- I always suspected Mark was a snake in the grass, and he proved it when he stole my promotion idea.
- Be careful who you trust in that department; there's a real snake in the grass waiting to backstab anyone for personal gain.