# wolf in sheep's clothing

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/wolf-in-sheeps-clothing
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- Be careful, he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- The charming new manager turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing who fired everyone after a week.
- 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.

## 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.”

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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.