noun
blind snake; worm snake
Refers to small, burrowing snakes of the family Typhlopidae, especially the Brahminy blind snake (Ramphotyphlops braminus). Often encountered in gardens or under debris.
庭でめくらへびを見つけた。
I found a blind snake in the garden.
めくらへびはミミズに似ているが、蛇の一種だ。
Blind snakes resemble earthworms, but they are a type of snake.
expression
fools rush in
Abbreviation of the proverb 盲蛇に怖じず (めくらへびにおじず), meaning 'the blind snake fears nothing' or 'fools rush in where angels fear to tread'. Used to describe reckless or ignorant boldness.
See also: 盲蛇に怖じず
「盲蛇に怖じず」ということわざを知っていますか。
Do you know the proverb 'The blind snake fears nothing'?
彼の無謀な行動は、まさにめくらへびだ。
His reckless behavior is exactly a case of 'fools rush in'.
Full proverb form; めくらへび is the abbreviated version used as a set phrase.
Compound of 盲 (めくら, 'blind') + 蛇 (へび, 'snake'). The exact origin is uncertain, but the name likely refers to the snake's reduced eyes and burrowing lifestyle.