a wolf in sheep's clothing
Someone who seems harmless but is actually dangerous
بهطور تحتاللفظی: A predator (wolf) wearing the skin of a peaceful animal (sheep)
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A person who hides a malicious heart behind a kind face.
- Used to warn others about a deceptive or dangerous individual.
- Comes from ancient fables about a predator in disguise.
معنی
This phrase describes someone who acts friendly and kind to hide their true, harmful intentions. It is like a dangerous predator wearing a disguise to trick people into trusting them.
مثالهای کلیدی
3 از 6Warning a friend about a scammer
Don't trust that online seller; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Don't trust that online seller; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Discussing a competitive coworker
I thought Sarah was helping me, but she's a wolf in sheep's clothing who wants my promotion.
I thought Sarah was helping me, but she's a wolf in sheep's clothing who wants my promotion.
In a formal business meeting
We must be careful with this partnership; their CEO might be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
We must be careful with this partnership; their CEO might be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
زمینه فرهنگی
The phrase originates from the New Testament of the Bible, specifically the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus warns against false prophets. It was later reinforced by Aesop's Fables, making it a staple of Western moral teaching for centuries. It reflects a deep-seated cultural distrust of people who seem 'too good to be true.'
The 'To Be' Rule
This phrase is almost always used with the verb `to be`. You are identifying someone as the wolf. Example: 'He IS a wolf in sheep's clothing.'
Don't use for 'Two-Faced'
While similar, `two-faced` means someone who says different things to different people. A `wolf in sheep's clothing` is more dangerous—it implies they want to hurt or exploit you.
در ۱۵ ثانیه
- A person who hides a malicious heart behind a kind face.
- Used to warn others about a deceptive or dangerous individual.
- Comes from ancient fables about a predator in disguise.
What It Means
Imagine someone who smiles and offers you help. They seem like the nicest person in the room. But behind that smile, they are planning to take your money or your job. That is a wolf in sheep's clothing. It is all about a dangerous person hiding behind a fake, gentle personality.
How To Use It
You use this phrase as a noun to describe a specific person. You can say "He is a wolf in sheep's clothing" or "Watch out for that wolf in sheep's clothing." It usually follows the verb to be. It is a strong warning to others. Don't use it for small mistakes. Use it when someone is being intentionally deceptive and mean.
When To Use It
Use it when you realize a person's "nice guy" act is a total lie. Maybe a new coworker is super helpful but then steals your ideas in a meeting. Or perhaps a person you are dating seems perfect until they start asking for your bank passwords. It is perfect for office gossip or warning a friend about a shady character.
When NOT To Use It
Do not use this for someone who is just grumpy or rude. A wolf in sheep's clothing must be pretending to be good. If they are openly mean, they are just a wolf! Also, avoid using it in very high-level legal documents. It is a bit too descriptive and dramatic for a court of law. Stick to "fraud" or "deception" there.
Cultural Background
This idiom is ancient. It actually comes from the Bible and was later popularized by Aesop’s Fables. In the story, a wolf finds a sheepskin and wears it to sneak into the flock. It is a foundational story in Western culture. It teaches us that appearances can be very deceiving. We have been using this warning for thousands of years!
Common Variations
You might hear people just say "a wolf in sheep's skin," but that is rare. Most people stick to the classic version. Sometimes people shorten it to just calling someone "a wolf." However, the full phrase is much more powerful. It emphasizes the contrast between the "soft" exterior and the "sharp" interior.
نکات کاربردی
The phrase is neutral in formality but carries a heavy emotional weight. Use it sparingly, as it is a serious accusation of character.
The 'To Be' Rule
This phrase is almost always used with the verb `to be`. You are identifying someone as the wolf. Example: 'He IS a wolf in sheep's clothing.'
Don't use for 'Two-Faced'
While similar, `two-faced` means someone who says different things to different people. A `wolf in sheep's clothing` is more dangerous—it implies they want to hurt or exploit you.
The Biblical Connection
If you use this in a very religious community, people will immediately recognize it as a reference to 'False Prophets' from the Bible.
مثالها
6Don't trust that online seller; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Don't trust that online seller; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Used to warn someone about a financial threat.
I thought Sarah was helping me, but she's a wolf in sheep's clothing who wants my promotion.
I thought Sarah was helping me, but she's a wolf in sheep's clothing who wants my promotion.
Describes professional betrayal.
We must be careful with this partnership; their CEO might be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
We must be careful with this partnership; their CEO might be a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Used to express suspicion about a business entity.
Ugh, I finally saw his true colors. Total wolf in sheep's clothing! 🐍
Ugh, I finally saw his true colors. Total wolf in sheep's clothing!
Casual venting between friends.
My cat looks so sweet when he sleeps, but he's a wolf in sheep's clothing when the vet arrives.
My cat looks so sweet when he sleeps, but he's a wolf in sheep's clothing when the vet arrives.
Hyperbolic and funny use for a pet's behavior.
I loved him, but I realized too late he was just a wolf in sheep's clothing.
I loved him, but I realized too late he was just a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Expressing deep emotional hurt and betrayal.
خودت رو بسنج
Choose the best word to complete the idiom.
The charming investor turned out to be a wolf in ___ clothing.
The standard idiom always uses 'sheep's' because sheep are symbols of innocence and vulnerability.
Identify the meaning of the phrase in this context.
If someone calls a politician a 'wolf in sheep's clothing', they mean the politician is ___.
The phrase always implies a deceptive gap between a kind appearance and a harmful reality.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
ابزارهای بصری یادگیری
When to use 'Wolf in Sheep's Clothing'
Gossip with friends about a fake person.
He's such a wolf in sheep's clothing!
Warning a colleague or family member.
Be careful, she's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Literary analysis or serious character warnings.
The antagonist is a classic wolf in sheep's clothing.
Spotting the Wolf
Job Interview
A candidate who lies about their skills.
Dating
Someone charming who is actually a liar.
Sales
A friendly salesman hiding a scam.
Friendship
A friend who talks behind your back.
بانک تمرین
2 تمرینهاThe charming investor turned out to be a wolf in ___ clothing.
The standard idiom always uses 'sheep's' because sheep are symbols of innocence and vulnerability.
If someone calls a politician a 'wolf in sheep's clothing', they mean the politician is ___.
The phrase always implies a deceptive gap between a kind appearance and a harmful reality.
🎉 امتیاز: /2
سوالات متداول
10 سوالYes, it is a very strong accusation. Calling someone a wolf in sheep's clothing means you think they are a liar and a threat.
Absolutely! It is gender-neutral. You can say she is a wolf in sheep's clothing just as easily as he is.
Not at all. While it's an old phrase, it's still very common in modern English in movies, news, and daily conversation.
A snake is just a traitor. A wolf in sheep's clothing specifically emphasizes the 'nice' disguise they use to trick you.
No, that sounds a bit funny and literal. Stick to clothing or occasionally skin to sound natural.
It's a bit dramatic for a formal email. It's better to use it in spoken conversation or informal notes.
Usually yes, but you can use it for an organization or a company that seems helpful but is actually predatory.
Then this phrase doesn't fit. A wolf in sheep's clothing implies they are *intentionally* hiding their bad side.
Yes, you can say wolves in sheep's clothing. Note that clothing stays singular.
It's pronounced with a long 'o' (/ˈkloʊðɪŋ/). Make sure it doesn't sound like 'cloth' (the fabric).
عبارات مرتبط
Snake in the grass
A hidden enemy or a treacherous person.
Two-faced
Someone who acts one way to your face and another behind your back.
A Trojan horse
Something that looks like a gift but contains a hidden threat.
Fair-weather friend
Someone who is only your friend when things are going well.
