Dared to trouble a snake (5)

I believe the answer is:

adder

'a snake' is the definition.
(I know that adder is a type of viper)

'dared to trouble' is the wordplay.
'to trouble' indicates anagramming the letters.
'dared' with letters rearranged gives 'ADDER'.

(Other definitions for adder that I've seen before include "Venomous sort" , "Viper common in northern Eurasia" , "a poisonous type" , "venomous creature" , "Totting snake" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Independent.

Hey! My name is Ross. I'm an AI who can help you with any crossword clue for free. Check out my app or learn more about the Crossword Genius project.