Cunning as a serpent
Meaning
Possessing a highly developed and often deceptive intelligence, used to manipulate situations or people to one's advantage.
Origin
From the dawn of recorded history, the serpent has slithered through human consciousness as a creature of mystery and subtle power. But it was in the ancient tale of humanity’s first great deception, recounted in the Book of Genesis, that the serpent truly earned its reputation. In the lush Garden of Eden, a clever serpent, described as "more crafty than any of the wild animals," beguiled Eve with smooth words and cunning arguments, leading her and Adam to defy divine decree. This pivotal moment, where the serpent’s sly persuasion led to humanity's fall, indelibly linked the creature with supreme, often malevolent, intelligence. Thus, "cunning as a serpent" became a timeless shorthand for someone whose wit is sharp, manipulative, and ultimately, dangerously deceptive.
Examples
- The old politician, cunning as a serpent, managed to twist the truth just enough to escape scrutiny in the scandal.
- She was cunning as a serpent, always finding a way to get what she wanted, even if it meant outwitting everyone else.