nourish a viper in (one's) bosom



nourish a viper 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 nourished a viper 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 nourished a viper in my bosom all these years: my darling husband has cast me out and run off with a younger woman.
See also: bosom, nourish, viper

Common Names:

NameGenderPronouncedUsage
Hristo-Bulgarian, Macedonian
Jitka-Czech
Mahalah-Biblical
Minali-Indian, Hindi
JudyJOO-deeEnglish
DiogoDYAW-goo (Portuguese), JYAW-goo (Brazilian Portuguese)Portuguese