What does “Wolf in sheep's clothing” mean?
"Wolf in sheep's clothing" means someone who appears to be harmless or friendly but is actually dangerous or deceitful.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He seemed like a nice guy, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Example
The company's CEO was a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to care about the employees while secretly plotting to lay them off.
Example
Don't be fooled by her innocent appearance, she's a wolf in sheep's clothing and will do whatever it takes to get what she wants
Is “Wolf in sheep's clothing” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“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 “Wolf in sheep's clothing” effectively in context?
You can use "Wolf in sheep's clothing" to warn others about someone who is pretending to be good-natured or trustworthy but has ulterior motives. Here are three distinct situations where you can use this phrase effectively:
- 1Personal Relationships
He seemed like a nice guy, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- 2Workplace
The company's CEO was a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to care about the employees while secretly plotting to lay them off.
- 3Manipulative Individuals
Don't be fooled by her innocent appearance, she's a wolf in sheep's clothing and will do whatever it takes to get what she wants.
Similar phrases to “Wolf in sheep's clothing”:
Trojan horse
Something or someone that appears harmless but is intended to deceive or cause harm
Example
The seemingly innocent email turned out to be a Trojan horse, infecting the computer with malware.
Two-faced
Someone who acts one way in front of others but behaves differently behind their backs
Example
She's always nice to your face, but she's two-faced and talks badly about you when you're not around.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Wolf in sheep's clothing” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Wolf in sheep's clothing" can be traced back to an ancient fable attributed to Aesop. In the fable, a wolf disguises itself by wearing a sheep's skin and infiltrates a flock of sheep to prey on them. The phrase has since become a popular idiom used to describe someone who appears to be harmless or friendly but is actually dangerous or deceitful.
Is “Wolf in sheep's clothing” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Wolf in sheep's clothing" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe individuals who are deceptive or have hidden agendas.
What tone does “Wolf in sheep's clothing” have?
"Wolf in sheep's clothing" conveys a tone of caution and skepticism. It is often used to warn others about the true nature of someone who may seem harmless or trustworthy at first glance.
Can “Wolf in sheep's clothing” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Wolf in sheep's clothing" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known expression that conveys the idea of deception and hidden motives. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, meetings, or professional writing.
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, 'Be careful, he's a "wolf in sheep's clothing".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Watch out for "wolves in sheep's clothing"!' to imply the presence of deceptive individuals.
