If It Had Been a Snake, It Would’ve Bit You
In Appalachian and Southern speech, "If it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you" means you overlooked something obvious that was right in front of you. It’s a colorful warning drawn from real rural life.
Hillbilly Dude Says...
We say, 'if it had been a snake, it woulda bit you' all the time in this house, and I've heard it all my life. Hillbilly Dude Says...
We say, 'if it had been a snake, it woulda bit you' all the time in this house, and I've heard it all my life. Pronunciation
[if it had bin uh SNAKE it would-uh bit yuh]
Meaning & Usage
- You overlooked something obvious (saying)
Mae:
Where are my keys?
Where are my keys?
Earl:
Right there on the counter. If it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you.
Right there on the counter. If it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you.- A humorous scolding for not paying attention (figurative)
Mae:
Can’t find the hammer.
Can’t find the hammer.
Earl:
It’s right in your hand - if it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you.
It’s right in your hand - if it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you.variations: if it had been a snake it would have bitten you
★ This saying works best when you’re pointing out something obvious. The snake image adds a country edge to a gentle scolding. ★
Origin and Etymology
Rooted in rural life where snakes are a real danger. The phrase grew naturally in Southern and Appalachian speech as a vivid way of saying "it was right there and you missed it."
Usage Notes
Still widely used in the South and Appalachia. Recognized elsewhere but most at home in country families and workplaces.
Say It Like a Southerner
Said plain: "If it had been a snake, it would’ve bit you." Often shortened to "It’da bit ya" in quick country speech.
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