nurse a snake in (one's) bosom



nurse a snake in (one's) bosom

To befriend, look after, or take care of someone who proves to be traitorous, untrustworthy, deceitful, or ungrateful. I thought the profligate had seen the light and was seeking redemption, and so I took him into my care. But before long, I knew I had nursed a snake in my bosom, as I awoke one morning to find myself robbed blind! I thought our love was not only mutual but indestructible; and yet, I have nursed a snake in my bosom all these years: my darling husband has cast me out and run off with a younger woman.
See also: bosom, nurse, snake

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
CornÉkawr-NAYDutch
Taguhi-Armenian
Barra-Irish
Allard-Dutch
Xenocrateszi-NAH-krə-teez (English)Ancient Greek (Latinized)
Latham['leiθəm]