# wolf guarding the sheep

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wolf-guarding-the-sheep
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Synonym of poacher turned gamekeeper.

## Examples

- Putting him in charge is like a wolf guarding the sheep.
- Appointing a corrupt official to lead the ethics committee is like having a wolf guarding the sheep.
- By entrusting the company's financial oversight to the very person who embezzled its funds, the board essentially left a wolf guarding the sheep.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.