The idiom "a wolf in sheep's clothing" refers to someone who appears harmless or benevolent but is, in reality, dangerous, malicious, or deceitful. It describes a situation where someone's outward behavior or appearance masks their true, often sinister, intentions.
The expression originates from Aesop's Fables, specifically "The Wolf and the Sheep." In the fable, a wolf disguises itself in a sheep's skin to infiltrate a flock and prey on the sheep.
The register is generally neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it often carries a slightly negative or cautionary tone.
"A wolf in sheep's clothing" is most often used as a noun phrase acting as a predicate nominative (i.e., following a linking verb like "is," "seems," or "appears"). It can be used to describe a person, a policy, a piece of legislation, or even an organization.
The phrase can be modified with adjectives (e.g., "a blatant wolf in sheep's clothing") or used in possessive constructions (e.g., "his wolf-in-sheep's-clothing act"). It can also be used in questions (e.g., "Is he a wolf in sheep's clothing?").
It sounds unnatural to use the phrase too literally. For example, describing an actual wolf wearing a sheepskin would be a literal interpretation and not an idiomatic use. Overusing the phrase or applying it in contexts where simple deception, rather than hidden malice, is at play can also sound unnatural.
These examples are sourced from a wolf in sheep's clothing on Ludwig.guru.
""It's a wolf in sheep's clothing — it's an attack on our sacred blue laws," Mayor Richard LaBarbiera said." — The New York Times
""Musharraf is basically a wolf in sheep's clothing; he's playing footsy with the world," he said ruefully." — The New York Times - Magazine
"He's always scared me, I think he's evil - he's a wolf in sheep's clothing." — The Guardian - Lifestyle
"Mr. Netanyahu went before the United Nations to call Mr. Rouhani "a wolf in sheep's clothing"." — The New York Times
"But opponents say Proposition 22 is a wolf in sheep's clothing." — The New York Times
Examples sourced from https://ludwig.guru/s/a+wolf+in+sheep's+clothing
| Phrase | Context |
|---|---|
| deceptive | A general term for misleading or dishonest behavior. |
| two-faced | Describes someone who says one thing to one person and another to someone else. |
| insidious | Suggests a gradual and subtle harm. |
| masquerading as | Emphasizes the act of disguise or pretense. |
| false friend | Highlights a betrayal of trust. |
| a snake in the grass | Someone who betrays trust unexpectedly. |
| Trojan horse | Something that appears beneficial but contains a hidden threat. |
| Expression | Idiomatic Meaning | Register | Avoid In |
|---|---|---|---|
| a wolf in sheep's clothing | Someone who appears harmless but is actually dangerous or malicious. | Neutral | Situations involving simple mistakes or incompetence, where there's no deliberate malicious intent. |
No, the expression "a wolf in sheep's clothing" is almost always used figuratively. It describes a person or thing that appears harmless but is actually dangerous or malicious; it's not typically used to describe an actual wolf dressed as a sheep.
While both terms involve dishonesty, "a wolf in sheep's clothing" implies a greater degree of danger and hidden malice. "Deceptive" is a more general term for misleading behavior, while "a wolf in sheep's clothing" suggests a deliberate attempt to appear harmless in order to exploit or harm others.
Remember that the key element of "a wolf in sheep's clothing" is the hidden malicious intent behind a harmless facade. If you're describing someone who is simply mistaken or incompetent, or if the deception is obvious, a different phrase would be more appropriate. Don't use it if there's no real threat or danger involved, only a misunderstanding.
Tools