Mad as a Cut Snake

Shady Abuyusuf

Sat, 06 Jul 2024

269

Teacher: Good morning, everyone! Today, we're going to learn about some interesting English expressions that use the word "snake." Let's start with the first one: "nurture a snake in one's bosom." Does anyone have an idea what this might mean?

Student 1: Does it have something to do with taking care of a snake?

Teacher: Good guess, but not quite. "Nurture a snake in one's bosom" means to be kind to someone who then betrays you. For example, "She trusted him completely, but she was nurturing a snake in her bosom."

Student 2: So it's like when someone you trust turns against you?

Teacher: Exactly! Now, let's look at "mad as a cut snake." What do you think this means?

Student 3: Maybe it means someone is very angry?

Teacher: Close! It actually means someone is very crazy or insane. For example, "After losing the game, he was mad as a cut snake."

Student 4: Oh, so it's more about being wild or crazy, not just angry.

Teacher: That's right. Next, we have "slippery as a snake." What do you think this one means?

Student 5: Maybe someone who is hard to catch?

Teacher: Yes! It describes someone who is deceitful or difficult to pin down. For example, "The politician was as slippery as a snake when answering questions."

Student 6: So it's like someone who avoids giving straight answers?

Teacher: Exactly. Now, "lower than a snake's belly" is an interesting one. Any guesses?

Student 7: Does it mean someone is really bad or dishonest?

Teacher: Spot on! It means someone is very dishonorable or immoral. For instance, "Stealing from a charity is lower than a snake's belly."

Student 8: Wow, that's pretty harsh!

Teacher: It is. Moving on, "mean as a striped snake" - what do you think this one means?

Student 9: Maybe someone who is very cruel or unkind?

Teacher: Yes! It describes someone who is extremely mean. For example, "He treats his employees terribly; he's as mean as a striped snake."

Student 10: So it's about being really nasty to others.

Teacher: Correct. Now, the last one is a bit tricky: "one-eyed trouser snake." Anyone heard of this before?

Student 11: I've never heard that. What does it mean?

Teacher: It's actually a slang term for the male genitalia. It's not commonly used in polite conversation, but you might come across it in informal contexts.

Student 12: That's a bit... unexpected!

Teacher: Yes, it is. But it's important to know these expressions and understand their meanings, even if you don't use them. Does anyone have any questions about these expressions?

Student 13: Can you give us more examples of how to use these in sentences?

Teacher: Of course! How about we practice making sentences using these expressions? Who wants to start?

Student 14: I'll try. "He was mad as a cut snake when he found out someone took his parking spot."

Teacher: Great example! Anyone else?

Student 15: "She thought he was a good friend, but he turned out to be a snake in her bosom."

Teacher: Perfect! Keep practicing these, and soon you'll be able to use them naturally in conversation. Well done, everyone!