cry wolf, keep the wolf from the door, throw to the wolves

Formal and Informal Expressions of wolf

In different contexts, you can replace 'wolf' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'canine' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'doggy' is a commonplace synonym.

wolf: Explore its Definition & Usage

wolf Definition

a wild carnivorous mammal of the dog family, living and hunting in packs. It is native to both Eurasia and North America, but its many subspecies have been widely exterminated.

Using wolf: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "wolf" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The wolf howled at the moon.
Example
The pack of wolves hunted down a deer.
Example
The gray wolf is the largest wild member of the canine family.
Example
The timber wolf is an endangered species.

wolf Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for wolf

Phrases with wolf

cry wolf
to give a false alarm or warning
Example
He has cried wolf so many times that no one believes him anymore.
keep the wolf from the door
to have enough money to avoid hunger or starvation
Example
She works two jobs just to keep the wolf from the door.
throw to the wolves
to abandon or sacrifice someone to danger or harm
Example
The company threw him to the wolves when they realized he was responsible for the mistake.

Origins of wolf

Old English 'wulf'

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Summary: wolf in Brief

A 'wolf' [wʊlf] is a wild carnivorous mammal of the dog family, known for living and hunting in packs. The gray wolf and timber wolf are examples of subspecies that have been widely exterminated. Phrases like 'cry wolf' and 'keep the wolf from the door' are idiomatic expressions that convey false alarms and financial struggles, respectively.