Nurse a viper in (one's) bosom In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "nurse a viper in (one's) bosom", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Ann Thu calendar 2021-08-05 05:08

Meaning of Nurse a viper in (one's) bosom

Synonyms:

nurture a viper in (one's) bosom

Nurse a viper in (one's) bosom verb phrase

This idiom has the same meaning as "nurse a snake in (one's) bosom" or "nurse serpents in (one's) bosom".

Take care of or assist someone who are untrustworthy, deceitful, or ungrateful

He nursed a viper in his bosom. His girlfriend stole all his money and ran off.

I have nursed a viper in my bosom all these years because my husband has had an affair with my best friend.

Other phrases about:

sell the pass

If you say someone sells the pass, you mean that he betrays his supporter, comrades, and allies.

sell out

1. Used to say that you betray someone for your personal benefit.

2. To be entirely sold.

3. To renounce or betray one's stated ideas or cause, especially for financial or personal gain.

Grammar and Usage of Nurse a viper in (one's) bosom

Verb Forms

  • nurse a viper in (one's) bosom
  • nursed a viper in (one's) bosom
  • nursing a viper in (one's) bosom
  • nurses a viper in (one's) bosom

The verb "nurse" should be conjugated according to its tense.

Origin of Nurse a viper in (one's) bosom

This idiom derives from Aesop's fable about a farmer who shelters a snake dying from the cold, which then fatally bites him after it recovers. 

The Origin Cited: Internet .
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TODAY
punch (one's) ticket

1. To punch a hole in one's ticket to show that they have paid for a ride
2. To do something that allows one to go further in a competition or to be promoted at work

Example:

1. Please, tell me if I forget to punch your ticket. 
2. With a view to punching my ticket to the final, I did whatever it takes to win this round.

 

 

 

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