The Village Idiom

wolf in sheep's clothing

The idiom "wolf in sheep's clothing" refers to someone who appears to be harmless or gentle, but is actually dangerous or malicious.

Truth, lies & confusion · Filed under W

In a sentence

  • He seemed like a friendly and helpful person, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
  • The politician's promises of reform were just a facade, as he proved to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
  • The charming new employee who gained everyone's trust was eventually revealed to be a wolf in sheep's clothing, stealing from the company.

Where it comes from and how it is used

Wolf in sheep's clothing is an idiom that describes someone who seems harmless or friendly but is actually dangerous or deceitful. It is related to several other idioms, each highlighting a different aspect of deception. These idioms include "devil in disguise," "one's bark is worse than one's bite," "pull the wool over someone's eyes," "fox in the henhouse," and "cry wolf."

The idiom "devil in disguise" is similar to "wolf in sheep's clothing" in that it warns against trusting appearances. Just as a wolf may disguise itself as a sheep, a devil may disguise itself as something innocent or appealing. This idiom reminds us to be cautious and not to be easily deceived by outward appearances.

The phrase "pull the wool over someone's eyes" also relates to the concept of deception. It refers to someone tricking or fooling another person by hiding the truth or hiding their true intentions. This idiom can be seen as a variation of "wolf in sheep's clothing," emphasizing the act of misleading or deceiving someone.

The idiom "fox in the henhouse" is another related expression that warns against trusting deceptive individuals. Just as a wolf in sheep's clothing poses a threat to a flock of sheep, a fox in a henhouse poses a threat to a group of hens. It serves as a reminder to be cautious of those who may have hidden motives or agendas.

The idiom "wolf in sheep's clothing" and its related idioms all highlight the dangers of deception and the importance of being cautious in our interactions with others. These idioms serve as reminders that appearances can be deceiving and that it is essential to look beyond surface impressions to understand someone's true intentions or the potential dangers that may be lurking beneath the surface.

Know an earlier use or a better origin story?Tell us.