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

He’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

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

In handing down a harsher sentence, Anderson referred to Moore as a “wolf in sheep’s clothing.”

From Los Angeles Times

“To use a religious term, I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Spilsbury said.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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