To go for wool and come home shorn.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “To go for wool and come home shorn.” mean?

"To go for wool and come home shorn" means to set out on a task with certain expectations or goals, but to end up disappointed or having achieved the opposite of what was intended. It warns against being too ambitious or naive in one’s pursuits, and to carefully consider the potential risks and consequences.

What context can I use the in?

Example

They thought they could cheat the system and get away with it, but in the end, they went for wool and came home shorn. They got caught and faced the consequences.

Example

He thought he could make a quick profit by investing in a risky business venture, but he went for wool and came home shorn. He lost all his money instead.

Example

She believed she could easily win the competition without putting in any effort, but she went for wool and came home shorn. She didn't even make it past the first round

Is “To go for wool and come home shorn.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“To go for wool and come home shorn.” 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 “To go for wool and come home shorn.” effectively in context?

You can use "To go for wool and come home shorn" to caution someone against being too ambitious or naive in their pursuits. It emphasizes the importance of considering the potential risks and consequences before embarking on a task. For example, if a friend is planning to invest a large sum of money in a risky business venture, you might say, 'Be careful not to go for wool and come home shorn. Make sure you thoroughly research and assess the potential risks before making such a big investment.'

• 1. Financial Decisions

  He was tempted by a get-rich-quick scheme, but his friends warned him not to go for wool and come home shorn.

• 2. Academic Pursuits

  She thought she could pass the exam without studying, but her poor grade showed that she went for wool and came home shorn.

• 3. Relationships

  He believed he could change his partner's negative behavior, but he soon realized he had gone for wool and come home shorn.

Similar phrases to “To go for wool and come home shorn.”:

Bite off more than one can chew

To take on more responsibilities or challenges than one can handle

Example

He thought he could manage multiple projects at once, but he bit off more than he could chew.

Look before you leap

To consider the possible consequences before taking action

Example

Before making a hasty decision, it's important to look before you leap.

A fool and his money are soon parted

Someone who is foolish with their money will quickly lose it

Example

He spent all his savings on unnecessary luxuries. A fool and his money are soon parted.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “To go for wool and come home shorn.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "To go for wool and come home shorn" is unknown.

Is “To go for wool and come home shorn.” common in everyday conversation?

The phrase "To go for wool and come home shorn" is not as common in everyday conversation compared to other proverbs. However, it is still used occasionally to convey the idea of facing disappointment or achieving the opposite of what was intended.

What tone does “To go for wool and come home shorn.” have?

"To go for wool and come home shorn" conveys a tone of caution and wisdom. It is often used to warn against being too ambitious or naive in one's pursuits and to encourage careful consideration of potential risks and consequences.

Can “To go for wool and come home shorn.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "To go for wool and come home shorn" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a proverb that imparts a valuable lesson and can be used in various contexts. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He thought he could cheat the system, but in the end, he went for wool and came home shorn.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Don't go for wool and come home shorn!' to imply the need for caution.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• to be disappointed
• to have one's hopes dashed
• to suffer the consequences of one's actions
• to experience a setback

Antonyms

• to achieve success
• to accomplish one's goals
• to reap the rewards
• to come out on top