a nest of vipers
Meaning: A group of people who scheme against or betray each other.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “The palace court was a nest of vipers, full of spies and rivals.”
Category: Animals
Origin: Vipers are venomous snakes. Similar images, such as "brood of vipers" in the Gospels, have long been used of treacherous people. The first use of the exact phrase has not been traced.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Un panier de crabes — literally: A basket of crabs
More idioms — Animals
- once bitten, twice shy — After a bad experience, one is much more cautious.
- give someone a leg up — To help someone make progress or get started.
- earn one's spurs — To prove one's ability and gain recognition.
- have the inside track — To have an advantage over others.
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
- hands down — Easily; without question.
More English idioms
- I could eat a horse — I am extremely hungry.
- there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip — Many things can go wrong before a plan succeeds.
- born with a silver spoon in one's mouth — Born into a wealthy, privileged family.
- penny wise and pound foolish — Careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with large ones.
- meet someone halfway — To make a compromise with someone.
- have a free hand — To have freedom to act as one sees fit.
From our compliments & insults
- Tu as un cœur d'or — You are genuinely kind and generous.
- Tu déchires — You're awesome — you totally rock.
- Eres un sol — You're a lovely, warm-hearted person.