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

Coming into the tournament López hinted that his team was ready for big things, calling Mexico a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 27, 2024

"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

Accordingly, when one warps the truth to suit his purpose, especially in the realm of nature, he must expect this hater of shams to raise a warning voice—"Beware the wolf in sheep's clothing!"

From Our Friend John Burroughs by Clara Barrus

Related Words

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