English Explanatory Dictionary

nourish a viper in one's bosom

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To do acts of kindness that will be met with ingratitude and will cause one harm in the end.

Word forms

nourish a viper in one's bosom nourishes a viper in one's bosom nourishing a viper in one's bosom nourished a viper in one's bosom

Etymology

From Aesop's fable The Farmer and the Viper.

Synonyms

cherish a snake in one's bosom
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