PhrasesHub

A wolf in sheep's clothing

    Definitions

      • deceptive appearance
        Describing a person or thing that appears kind or harmless, but is actually dangerous or deceitful

      • false or misleading behavior
        Referring to someone who is pretending to be something they are not, often for nefarious purposes

      • hidden agenda
        Implying that someone is using a guise or disguise to conceal their true intentions or motives

      • warning against trust
        Cautioning against trusting someone or something solely based on their outward appearance, as it may be deceiving

    Examples of A wolf in sheep's clothing

    • She seemed like a kind and gentle person, but in reality, she was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

      This idiom is used to describe someone who appears to be trustworthy or harmless but is actually deceitful or dangerous. In this example, the person being described initially seemed like a kind and gentle person, but it was later revealed that she was actually a manipulative and deceitful person, much like a wolf disguised as a sheep.

    • The salesman promised to deliver the product by the end of the week, but he turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who makes false promises or misleads others. In this example, the salesman initially appeared trustworthy and promised to deliver the product by the end of the week, but it turned out that he was actually unreliable and failed to deliver the product on time, much like a wolf disguised as a sheep.

    • The politician gave a speech about his commitment to the environment, but many people saw through his wolf in sheep's clothing act.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who is hypocritical or insincere. In this example, the politician appeared to be committed to the environment, but many people saw through his act and realized that he was actually more concerned with his own political interests than with the environment, much like a wolf disguised as a sheep.

    • The new employee seemed like a good fit for the team, but it soon became clear that she was a wolf in sheep's clothing.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who does not fit in with a group or organization. In this example, the new employee initially seemed like a good fit for the team, but it soon became clear that she was actually more interested in advancing her own career than in working collaboratively with the team, much like a wolf disguised as a sheep.

    • The CEO presented himself as a humble and approachable person, but his wolf in sheep's clothing facade began to crack under pressure.

      This idiom can also be used to describe someone who tries to present a false image of themselves. In this example, the CEO initially appeared to be humble and approachable, but under pressure, his true nature began to emerge, much like a wolf disguised as a sheep.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "a wolf in sheep's clothing" is often used to describe someone or something that is deceptive or misleading in appearance. It warns against trusting solely based on outward appearances, as they may not reflect true intentions or character.

    This phrase can be used in a variety of situations, such as warning against trusting a seemingly kind person who may have malicious intentions, or cautioning against a product or service that promises one thing but delivers another. It can also be used more broadly to describe any situation where things are not as they seem.

    This idiom is a cautionary reminder to look beyond surface level and to not be easily swayed by appearances. It serves as a warning to be vigilant and not be fooled by false or misleading behavior.

    Origin of "A wolf in sheep's clothing"

    The origin of this idiom can be traced back to an ancient Greek fable about a wolf who disguises himself as a sheep in order to get closer to a flock and attack them. This fable was later adapted by Aesop and has been passed down through various cultures and languages.

    The phrase itself was first used in English by William Tyndale in his 1534 translation of the Bible, specifically in the Book of Matthew where Jesus warns against false prophets who come in "sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves."

    Over time, this phrase has become a popular idiom used in everyday language to describe any situation where someone or something is not what they appear to be. Its origins in ancient fables and religious texts add a sense of caution and warning to its meaning.