snakes in the grass
Concealed treacherous people
Snakes in the grass are hidden enemies or treacherous people who conceal their hostility while appearing friendly.
The phrase evokes danger lurking unseen underfoot: Watch out for snakes in the grass at that company—not everyone wishes you well.
Sometimes shortened to just snake as an insult for a deceitful person.
- serpentCunning, limbless reptile
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- deceitDeliberate misleading of others
- backstabbingCovert betrayal of trust
- stab in the backTreachery against an ally
temptation · reptile · betrayal · cunning · dishonesty · false friends · hidden danger · lying in wait · slithering · forked tongue · manipulation · scheming · wolf in sheep's clothing · duplicity · double agent · evil · trust issues · perfidy