wolf in sheep's clothing

Cultural  

1. Figuratively, anyone who disguises a ruthless nature through an outward show of innocence. Jesus taught his followers to “beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

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wolf in sheep's clothing Idioms  

1. An enemy disguised as a friend, as in Dan was a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to help but all the while spying for our competitors. This term comes from the ancient fable about a wolf that dresses up in the skin of a sheep and sneaks up on a flock. This fable has given rise to a rich history of allusions as in the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus speaks of false prophets in sheep's clothing, “but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

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Example Sentences

"TikTok is a wolf in sheep's clothing," according to court documents.

From BBC • Dec. 7, 2022

Kemp was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, but his sheep suit was impeccably tailored.

From Seattle Times • Nov. 15, 2022

“A wolf in sheep’s clothing is still a wolf. Know your enemy.”

From Fox News • Jun. 10, 2020

A wolf in sheep’s clothing separates the goats.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 2, 2019

Rev. Jason Lee soon found out the character of this wolf in sheep’s clothing, and presented charges against him for his immorality, and expelled him from the mission.

From A History of Oregon, 1792-1849 Drawn From Personal Observation and Authentic Information by Gray, William Henry

Related Words

• bigot
• charlatan
• crook
• impostor
• phony
• trickster