What does “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” mean?
"A wolf in sheep's clothing" means someone who appears harmless or friendly, but is actually dangerous or deceitful. This proverb is derived from the fable of a wolf wearing a sheep's skin to deceive and prey on sheep.
What context can I use the in?
Example
Be careful with that person, they may seem nice but remember, a wolf in sheep's clothing. They might have ulterior motives.
Example
Don't be fooled by their friendly demeanor, they could be a wolf in sheep's clothing. Trust your instincts and be cautious.
Example
Always be wary of strangers who seem too good to be true. Remember, a wolf in sheep's clothing can be lurking anywhere
Is “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” effectively in context?
You can use "A wolf in sheep's clothing" to caution someone about the hidden intentions or true nature of a person or situation. Here are three distinct situations where you can effectively use this phrase:
- 1Friendship
Be careful with that person, they may seem nice but remember that a wolf in sheep's clothing is always lurking.
- 2Warning
Don't be fooled by their innocent appearance, they are nothing but a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- 3Deception
She pretended to be a helpful neighbor, but she turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Similar phrases to “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.”:
Things or people may not be what they seem at first glance.
Example
Don't judge a book by its cover; appearances can be deceiving.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "A wolf in sheep's clothing" can be traced back to an ancient Greek fable attributed to Aesop. In the fable, a wolf disguises itself by wearing a sheep's skin and infiltrates a flock of sheep. The wolf's intention is to deceive the shepherd and attack the unsuspecting sheep. The phrase has since become a popular proverb used to warn against trusting someone who appears friendly or harmless but is actually dangerous or deceitful.
Is “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” common in everyday conversation?
"A wolf in sheep's clothing" is a commonly used proverb in everyday conversation. It serves as a cautionary reminder to be wary of people or situations that may not be what they seem.
What tone does “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” have?
The phrase "A wolf in sheep's clothing" conveys a tone of warning and skepticism. It implies that appearances can be deceiving and encourages listeners to be cautious and discerning.
Can “A wolf in sheep’s clothing.” be used in informal and formal settings?
The proverb "A wolf in sheep's clothing" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is widely recognized and understood, making it suitable for various contexts such as casual conversations, written communication, or public speeches.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
The phrase is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Be careful, he may seem friendly but he's "a wolf in sheep's clothing".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Beware of "a wolf in sheep's clothing"!' to imply caution.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- two-faced
- sly as a fox
- deceptive appearance
- hidden danger
- false friend
Antonyms
- honesty is the best policy
- trustworthy
- genuine
- transparent
- what you see is what you get
