English Idioms — Meaning in Context Choose the BEST meaning. Sentence: Despite the trust bestowed on the minister, he turned out to be “a snake in the grass” during the revolution.

Introduction / Context:
The idiom “a snake in the grass” describes someone who pretends to be harmless or friendly while secretly plotting harm. In political narratives, it targets insiders who betray the cause from within. Understanding the idiom requires focusing on concealed treachery rather than mere bad luck or external threats.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Context: a trusted minister proved false during a crisis.
• Idiom: “snake in the grass.”
• We need the clearest one-phrase meaning.

Concept / Approach:

The best paraphrase is “a treacherous person,” which captures deliberate betrayal and hypocrisy. “A secret enemy” is close but slightly impersonal; the idiom usually points to a person acting treacherously while pretending loyalty. “Unforeseen danger” or “unexpected misfortune” shift the focus from a betrayer to events, which is not the idiom’s target.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1) Identify deception: outward ally, inward foe.2) Map to human agency: a betrayer, not an event.3) Choose “a treacherous person.”4) Eliminate impersonal or event-based distractors.

Verification / Alternative check:

Paraphrase: “He proved to be a betrayer within the movement.” This equals “a treacherous person.”

Why Other Options Are Wrong:

a secret enemy: Near, but misses the hypocrisy/insider nuance.unforeseen danger / unexpected misfortune: Event-based, not a person’s deceit.a naive supporter: Opposite of treacherous.

Common Pitfalls:

Confusing hidden danger from circumstances with conscious betrayal by a supposed ally. The idiom always centers on duplicity.

Final Answer:

a treacherous person