nurture a viper in (one's) bosom

nurture a viper in (one's) bosom

To befriend, look after, or take care of someone who proves to be traitorous, untrustworthy, deceitful, or ungrateful.  I thought the profligate had seen the light and was seeking redemption, and so I took him into my care.  But before long, I knew I had nurtured a viper in my bosom, as I awoke one morning to find myself robbed blind!I thought our love was not only mutual but indestructible; and yet, I have nurtured a viper in my bosom all these years: my darling husband has cast me out and run off with a younger woman. 

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