In the tail lies the venom.
In the tail lies the venom.
Meaning in plain English
The venom placed in the tail warns that a difficulty may lie at the end. Examine the final detail before assuming the whole arrangement is harmless.
Example
A reader notices a restrictive final condition in a borrowing agreement after its opening description sounded convenient.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The tail is the last part of the animal’s pictured body, but it contains what can cause harm. Figuratively, a closing condition or late consequence may matter more than an agreeable beginning. The proverb encourages reading to the end and checking how the parts fit together. It does not show that every ending hides danger or justify suspicion without evidence. Identify the actual condition rather than relying on the image alone.
When to use it
Use it when a final condition or consequence needs particular scrutiny.
Keep in mind
An ending is not dangerous merely because it comes last; check the actual detail.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-05. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857)
Printed page 3; French section, paragraph 45; source wording: A la queue gît le venin.
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗