serpent
The word serpent is from Latin for a “large animal that creeps on the ground”; a “large snake”. This meaning in the modern context, however, is not used in the ordinary sense, i.e. for an ordinary snake, but only to refer to a large snake in mythic or religious contexts. The serpent is one of the oldest and most widespread mythological symbols. In almost all the ancient cultures, the serpent was given importance in one way or the other: the serpent was one of the deities in Sumerian culture, 2000 B.C.;
Vishnu on serpent
the serpent is the bed of Lord Vishnu, the Supreme God of Hindus; the statue of Asclepius in Greek mythology, connected with mortality; In the Old Testament of the Bible, the serpent urged Adam and Eve to commit sin by eating the forbidden fruit (apple); in Buddhism, it is believed that when Lord Buddha was meditating the serpent protected him from the sun;
serpent tempting eve
in some cultures, including Hinduism, the serpent is the guardian of temples and sacred places; the serpent was also given importance in Mayan culture in South America; and in modern times, the serpent (snake) is associated with poison and medicine. Sea serpents are large ferocious snake-like creatures (mostly imaginary or legendary) found in the stories!
Figures of Speech:
1. serpent (noun) =
(a) a dangerous and disloyal person; a person who deceives (cheats) his/her own people
(b) {according to the Bible} Satan (evil power)
(c) a firework that moves like a snake while burning
(d) a (musical) wind instrument – bass cornet
2. Aaron’s serpent [said of a force so powerful as to destroy minor forces]
3. cunning as the serpent of old Nile [said in reference to the Egyptian queen, Cleopatra, who, according to the legend, committed suicide (killed herself) by getting bitten by a venomous snake]
4. hold a serpent by the tail = to do something foolishly or carelessly
5. to cherish (or nourish) a serpent in one’s bosom = to have a dangerous or ungrateful person close to oneself; to make friends with a vicious (dangerous) person
6. to strike the serpent’s head with one’s enemy’s hand [said when someone gives unpleasant or dangerous work to a person he/she hates]
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About the Author:BC Kumar
BC Kumar, an English Language Teacher, taught in numerous countries including Ethiopia, Oman and India, shares his knowledge and passion for the English Language. Disclaimer: This is a free educational website and all content has been compiled by the author. All copyrights to images and videos belong to their respective owners.
