en English es español fr française it italiano de deutsche ja 日本語 pl polski cs česky sv svenska tr Türkçe nl Nederlands

Explaining "If it were a snake, it would have bit you"

Reviewed and edited by Anwar Kareem 20/12/2024, 12:04
English.me team member

What does it mean?

If it were a snake, it would have bit you

An expression used to tell someone that the object they're searching for is in plain sight, but they've overlooked it.

Tone

Playful and mildly sarcastic, often used in a friendly or teasing manner.

Origin

This phrase originates from American colloquial speech and is often used humorously or lightly to point out someone's oversight when missing something right in front of them.

Examples of usage

  • After minutes of searching for her phone, she found it on the table. Her friend laughed, "If it were a snake, it would have bit you!"
  • He couldn't find the book he was reading, only to see it beside him. "If it were a snake, it would have bit you," his sister joked.
  • Looking for his car keys, he didn't notice them hanging by the door. "If it were a snake, it would have bit me," he thought.

Recommended posts in Phrases

If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas

If you lie down with dogs, you will get up with fleas

The phrase means that if you associate with dishonest or ... Learn more →

It is not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall

It is not enough to learn how to ride, you must also learn how to fall

The phrase means that in addition to mastering a skill ... Learn more →

There is no place like home

There is no place like home

The phrase "There is no place like home" expresses the ... Learn more →

From the sublime to the ridiculous (is only a step)

From the sublime to the ridiculous (is only a step)

The phrase "From the sublime to the ridiculous (is only ... Learn more →