snake in the grass UK /ˈsneɪk ɪn ðə ˈɡɹɑːs/US /ˈsneɪk ɪn ðə ˈɡɹæs/ noun1 •(informal) A hidden enemy.The trouble is, I trusted him too much from the start. He has proved to be a snake in the grass. — 1906 formssnakes in the grass