What is the Meaning of the Phrase ‘A Snake in the Grass’?

If you call a person ‘a snake in the grass’, it means he is a treacherous or deceitful person. He pretends to be a friend but is likely to deceive.

This metaphor for treachery was first used by Roman poet Virgil in 37 BC. It is an allusion to a poisonous snake hiding in tall grass which could bite at any moment.

Let’s see an example —

“I thought he was my friend, but he turned out to be a snake in the grass. It was he who ratted me out to the teacher.”

It means he was a fake friend. He betrayed me to the teacher.

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Hi, I am Gauri Shanker, a Vocab teacher and enthusiast. I teach vocabulary in a fun and engaging way. You can check out my courses here.