ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wolf in sheep's clothing

idiom
Meaning

Someone who or something which is harmful or threatening but disguised as something peaceful or pleasant.


Origin

disputed origin

From Matthew 7:15 in the Bible (King James Version; spelling modernized): “Beware of false prophets which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Examples
SIMPLE

Be careful, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.

CONTEXTUAL

The charming new manager turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing who fired everyone after a week.

COMPLEX

History is full of leaders who appeared benevolent to the public, only to be revealed as a wolf in sheep's clothing once they secured absolute power.

Anchors to
Related idioms7entries
  1. 01

    cry wolf

    To raise a false alarm; to constantly warn others about an imagined threat, thereby failing to get assistance when a real threat appears.

  2. 02

    have the wolf by the ear

    To be in a dangerous situation from which one cannot disengage, but in which one cannot safely remain.

  3. 03

    keep the wolf from the door

    To ward off poverty or hunger.

  4. 04

    wolf down

    To consume (food) quickly or greedily, without regard for table manners.

  5. 05

    wolf guarding the sheep

    Synonym of poacher turned gamekeeper.

  6. 06

    wolf in one's stomach

    A ravenous hunger; a large appetite.

  7. 07

    wolf of Wall Street

    (A name for) an aggressive, prominent, and wealthy financier; specifically (derogatory), one who swindles or takes unfair advantage of people.

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