snake-charmer
Definition
Noun: - A performer who appears to hypnotize or control snakes (typically cobras) through music, often as a form of street entertainment. The snake-charmer uses a pipe or flute and rhythmic movements to influence the snake's behavior, though the snake is actually responding to movement, not sound.
Usage Examples
- (A performer controlling a snake for public entertainment.)
- (A street performer specializing in snake handling.)
Advanced Usage
"to work as a snake-charmer": to earn a living by performing with snakes.
- He had worked as a snake-charmer in Rajasthan for over twenty years. (He made his career by entertaining crowds with snakes.)
"snake-charmer's basket": the container used to hold the snake before the performance.
- The snake-charmer lifted the lid of the basket, and the cobra rose slowly. (The basket is a key prop in the performance.)
Variants and Related Words
Snake-charming (n): the art or practice of controlling snakes as a performance.
- Snake-charming is a traditional skill in parts of South Asia and North Africa. (The activity of being a snake-charmer.)
Snake (n): a long, legless reptile.
- Charmer (n): a person who uses charm or persuasion to influence others.
Synonyms
- Serpent handler: a person who works with snakes, especially in a performance.
- Snake handler: a broader term for anyone who manages snakes, not necessarily for entertainment.
Related Idioms
- "charm the snakes": to use persuasion or allure to calm a dangerous situation (figurative).
- He managed to charm the snakes during the tense negotiation. (He used his charm to defuse conflict.)