鎌かま首くびをもたげる

expression, ichidan verb

raise its head (of a snake)

Idiomatic expression literally meaning 'to raise its sickle-shaped neck', used specifically for a snake lifting its head in a striking posture. Often implies a threatening or alert stance.

• ヘビが鎌かま首くびをもたげて威い嚇かくした。

  The snake raised its head and threatened.

• 草くさむらから鎌かま首くびをもたげるヘビが見みえた。

  I saw a snake raising its head from the grass.