Anguis in herba is a Latin phrase that has been in use since ancient times. It is often used in literature and art to convey a sense of hidden danger or treachery. The phrase literally translates to “a snake in the grass,” and it has come to represent any hidden danger that may be lurking in the shadows.
Definitions
Anguis in herba is a Latin phrase that means “a snake in the grass.” It is used to describe a situation where there is a hidden danger that is not immediately apparent. The phrase is often used in literature and art to convey a sense of treachery or deceit.
Origin
The phrase anguis in herba has its roots in ancient Roman culture. The Romans believed that snakes were a symbol of treachery and deceit. They often used the image of a snake to represent hidden danger or betrayal. The phrase anguis in herba was first used by the Roman poet Virgil in his epic poem, the Aeneid.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The phrase anguis in herba is not commonly used in modern English, but it can be found in some dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a hidden danger or treachery.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a treacherous person or thing that is not apparent at first.”
Associations
The phrase anguis in herba is often associated with deception, betrayal, and hidden danger. It is used in literature and art to convey a sense of treachery or deceit. The image of a snake in the grass is a powerful one, and it has come to represent any hidden danger that may be lurking in the shadows.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for anguis in herba include treachery, deceit, betrayal, hidden danger, and lurking danger.
Antonyms
Antonyms for anguis in herba might include honesty, transparency, safety, and security.
The same root words
The Latin phrase anguis in herba is made up of two words: anguis, which means snake, and herba, which means grass. These same root words can be found in other Latin phrases, such as herba mala, which means “bad grass,” and anguis ad virgulas, which means “snake to the commas.”
Example Sentences
- The politician’s promises were like anguis in herba – they sounded good on the surface, but there was hidden danger lurking beneath.
- The spy was like a snake in the grass, always watching and waiting for the right moment to strike.
- The company’s financial statements were like anguis in herba – they looked good on paper, but there was something deceptive about them.
- The new employee seemed friendly enough, but there was a sense of anguis in herba about him that made the others uneasy.
- The coach warned his team to be on the lookout for anguis in herba – the other team was known for their dirty tricks and treachery.