serpent-charmer

A serpent-charmer sits cross-legged playing a flute for a coiled cobra.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who performs with snakes: A "serpent-charmer" is an individual who uses music, often from a flute-like instrument, to control or attract snakes, typically as a form of entertainment or street performance. This term specifically refers to the performer, not the snake.

Usage Examples

• (A performer using music to control a snake.)
• (An entertainer who works with snakes in public.)

Advanced Usage

• "serpent-charmer's basket": The woven container used by a serpent-charmer to house or transport snakes.

  • The serpent-charmer's basket was intricately decorated, but the snake inside was very real. (The basket used by the performer.)

• "to be a serpent-charmer": Used metaphorically to describe someone who has a calming or hypnotic influence over a dangerous or difficult person or situation.

  • In tense negotiations, she was a serpent-charmer, soothing tempers with her gentle voice. (A person who skillfully manages a volatile situation.)

Variants and Related Words

• Serpent (n): a large snake; a biblical term for a snake, often associated with cunning or evil.

  • The serpent in the garden tempted Eve. (A snake in a religious context.)

• Charmer (n): a person who uses charm or persuasion to influence others; also, a performer who works with animals.

  • He was a charmer at parties, always making people laugh. (A person with a pleasing personality.)

• Snake charmer (n): a more common term for the same profession, often used interchangeably with "serpent-charmer."

  • The snake charmer played his flute while the cobra swayed. (A performer with snakes.)

Synonyms

• Snake charmer: the more widely used term for the same role.
• Ophidian performer: a formal or scientific term for someone who works with snakes (from "ophidian," meaning snake-like).

Related Idioms

• "To charm the snakes": To use special skills or persuasion to handle a dangerous or tricky situation.

  • The diplomat had to charm the snakes of international politics to secure the treaty. (To manage difficult circumstances with finesse.)

• "A serpent's tongue": A phrase describing someone who speaks deceitfully or with hidden malice.

  • Beware of his compliments; he has a serpent's tongue. (He is dishonest or manipulative.)