snake in the grass

noun phrase

: a secretly faithless friend

Examples of snake in the grass in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Below me, the train stretched out like a snake in the grass. Monisha Rajesh, Travel + Leisure, 20 Oct. 2024 But make no bones about it: Avery knew that the governor was a snake in the grass without a shred of experience serving king and country. Sean Kingsley, Smithsonian Magazine, 2 Apr. 2024 And what’s arousing tends to be significant, regardless of its positive or negative associations (snake in the grass, mate in the bed). Cody Cottier, Discover Magazine, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1696, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of snake in the grass was in 1696

Dictionary Entries Near snake in the grass

Cite this Entry

“Snake in the grass.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/snake%20in%20the%20grass. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

snake in the grass

: a secretly unfaithful friend
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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