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

See Examples For:

wolf in sheep's clothing

In the psychological thriller “Heretic” from A24, the typically debonair Hugh Grant turns diabolical, but like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, he’s disguised by a singular cardigan, one painstakingly selected by costume designer Betsy Heimann.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 17, 2024

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

From Seattle Times ● Nov. 15, 2022

"Gregory Dow was the proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing," said the FBI's Michael Driscoll.

From BBC ● Feb. 5, 2021

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

From Fox News ● Jun. 10, 2020

He walked toward the bunk house so absorbed that he talked to himself and as he passed Beck he was muttering: "... wolf in sheep's clothing ..."

From The Last Straw by Harold Titus

Related Words

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