Here's a breakdown of the meaning:
* Snake: Represents a problem, threat, or a group of people causing trouble.
* Head: Symbolizes the leader or the source of the problem.
* Cut off: Means to eliminate or destroy.
The idiom suggests that by removing the leader, you effectively disable the entire organization, problem, or threat. It implies that the leader is the most important part of the problem and that by targeting them, the issue can be resolved.
Example:
* "The police decided to cut off the head of the snake by arresting the gang leader."
It's important to note that this idiom has a violent connotation, suggesting that force or decisive action is needed to solve the problem. It's often used in situations involving criminal activity, but it can be applied to other contexts as well.