Snake in the grass

Idiomatic Phrase
Pronunciation

Understanding ARPABET Pronunciation

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The pronunciation guide uses the ARPABET phonetic system—the same system used in speech recognition and text-to-speech applications.

Vowel Examples:
AE1 = cat, bat
EH1 = bed, head
IY1 = see, me
OW1 = go, boat
UW1 = boot, do
Stress Numbers:
0 = no stress (unstressed)
1 = primary stress (loud)
2 = secondary stress (medium)
Example:
AH0 TH IY1 N AH0
= a-THEE-na (Athena)

The stressed syllable (marked with 1) is pronounced louder and clearer than others.

Quick Definition

A hidden traitor or deceitful person; serpent metaphor describing snake concealed in grass ready to strike, symbolizing betrayal by someone appearing harmless but harboring malicious intent.

Detailed Definition
Snake in the grass means a treacherous, deceitful, or secretly hostile person who appears harmless. In poetry, the idiom draws on ancient associations of serpents with danger, temptation, hidden knowledge, and betrayal. It can describe false friends, political intriguers, seducers, spies, or inner impulses disguised as innocent thoughts. The grass image suggests concealment in a natural or familiar setting. A poet may use it to build suspense, expose duplicity, or show how danger often hides close to the ground.
Example
Example in poetry:
A betrayal ballad might reveal the smiling counsellor as a snake in the grass; In a pastoral satire, the snake in the grass whispers flattery among flowers; The phrase means a hidden treacherous person; A poet can use it for deceit and danger.
Additional Notes
A snake in the grass is a hidden traitor, danger, or deceitful person. The phrase draws on ancient associations of serpents with cunning, temptation, and concealed threat. In poetry, it can be used in pastoral, biblical, political, or romantic contexts where apparent innocence hides betrayal. Students should notice how the grass matters: danger is camouflaged within beauty or ordinary life. It pairs well with gardens, whispers, ankles, and sudden bites.
Also Known As
traitor
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