Translation guide
Refers to a type of rattlesnake known for its sideways movement, or metaphorically to a sneaky or treacherous person. Also used for a type of missile.
Referring to the sidewinder rattlesnake (Crotalus cerastes), known for its distinctive sideways locomotion.
The standard Japanese term for the sidewinder snake, borrowed from English.
サイドワインダーは砂漠に生息する毒蛇です。
The sidewinder is a venomous snake that lives in the desert.
Describing a person who is cunning, treacherous, or strikes unexpectedly, like the snake.
Referring to the AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile.
The standard term for the missile, same as the snake. Context distinguishes them.
その戦闘機はサイドワインダーミサイルを搭載していた。
The fighter jet was equipped with Sidewinder missiles.
A descriptive Japanese name meaning 'sideways-moving rattlesnake'. Less common but more transparent.
ヨコバイガラガラヘビは横に這って移動します。
The sidewinder moves by crawling sideways.
A person who is crafty, untrustworthy, or a suspicious character. Often used for someone who cannot be taken at face value.
彼は曲者だから気をつけたほうがいい。
He's a sidewinder, so you'd better be careful.
A sly, shrewd person who is hard to deal with. Literally 'someone you can't eat', implying they are not straightforward.
あいつは食えない奴だ。
That guy is a real sidewinder.
Literally 'black-bellied person', meaning someone with a malicious or scheming nature. More direct but less idiomatic for 'sidewinder'.
彼女は腹黒い人だという噂だ。
Rumor has it she's a sidewinder.