Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—V

Venom

The venom is in the tail. The real difficulty is the conclusion. The allusion is to the scorpion, which has a sting in its tail.

The French say, “It is always most difficult to flay the tail” (C'est lc plus difficile que d'écorcher la queue).

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Venomous Preacher
Venison
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

More on Venom from Fact Monster:

  • venom - venom venom or zootoxin,any of a variety of poisonous substances produced by animals. In poisonous ...
  • zootoxin - zootoxin: zootoxin: see venom.
  • poison glands - poison glands: poison glands: see venom.
  • snakebite - snakebite snakebite, wound inflicted by the teeth of a snake. The bite of a nonvenomous snake is ...
  • gila monster - gila monster gila monster , venomous lizard, Heloderma suspectum, found in the deserts of the SW ...

Related Content