ulupong
ulupóng with stress marks
Philippine cobra
Usage Note
Ulupong is the Tagalog name for the Philippine cobra (Naja philippinensis), one of the most venomous snakes in the world. It is deeply embedded in Filipino folklore as a symbol of danger, treachery, and death. The word appears in proverbs and literature as a metaphor for a deceitful or dangerous person: 'parang ulupong' (like a cobra).
Examples
" May ulupong sa bukid. "
Natural Translation
There's a cobra in the field.
Literal Translation
There-is cobra in-the field.
" Maingat na lumayo ang mga bata sa ulupong na nakita sa bukid. "
Natural Translation
The children carefully stayed away from the cobra spotted in the field.
Literal Translation
Carefully moved-away the children from-the cobra that-was-seen in-the field.
" Huwag kang magtiwala sa taong parang ulupong, dahil maaaring tumalikod siya at saktan ka kapag binitiwan mo na ang iyong bantay. "
Natural Translation
Don't trust a person who is like a cobra, because he might turn around and hurt you once you let down your guard.
Literal Translation
Do-not you to-trust in person like cobra, because might to-turn-back he and to-hurt you when let-go you already the your guard.
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