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

“Ghislaine, like a wolf in sheep’s clothing, you used your femininity to betray us, and you led us all through it.”

From Seattle Times ● Jun. 25, 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

The second was a mean-spirited wolf in sheep’s clothing, who, like his compatriot Archbishop Sharp, had sold his kirk and country as well as his soul for what he deemed some personal advantage.

From Hunted and Harried by R. M. (Robert Michael) Ballantyne

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Related Words

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

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