Synonyms

wolf in sheep's clothing

Cultural

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.”

wolf in sheep's clothing Idioms

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).

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

There’s a lightness about Stanley that I really enjoyed incorporating into the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 31, 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

You've been a bit of a wolf in sheep's clothing, eh, my respectable friend?

From The White Blackbird by Douglas, Hudson

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023