snake in the grass

noun phrase

: a secretly faithless friend

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 25 Mar. 2023.

Kids Definition

snake in the grass

: a secretly unfaithful friend
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