Meanings of “A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing”
The phrase ‘a wolf in sheep’s clothing’ means a cunning person who hides malicious intent under the cover of kindness. It also refers to a person who seems friendly and honest but is in fact, cruel and dishonest.
Origin of “A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing”
The phrase “a wolf in sheep’s clothing” was first used in The King James Version of the Bible where is recorded as; “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.” Later, the phrase was traced in Aesop’s Fable in 620 B.C. Since then, it has been used in almost the same sense with different wordings.
Examples in Literature
Example #1
Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing by Rock Band, Set It Off
“Ha ha ha, this is about you
Beware, beware, be skeptical
Of their smiles, their smiles of plated gold
Deceit so natural
But a wolf in sheep’s clothing is more than a warning.”
The above lines present the true definition of a two-faced person. The words suggest that the cunning person always keeps an attractive smile on his face. Their expression seems so natural that they can easily deceive others. The singer is warning the listeners to be careful with a person who smiles too much or offers expensive presents without any reason. As such people can easily deceive anyone.
Example #2
Daily Drive 365 by Israelmore Ayivor
“Be careful of who becomes your friend and why. The person who will bite off your lips one day will have to first promise you a kiss today. Be careful of hypocrites.”
Israelmore Ayivor sheds light on the nature of the phrase by explaining the role of a friend in our lives. The writer asks us to think about our choices in life. We need to be careful while choosing our friends because they know our weak points. Therefore, once they become enemies, they know where to hit exactly. The author also talks about hypocrites who never do what they say.
Example #3
Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing by Micron
“For there a calculating selfish wolf does reside
He’s sly and careful all the time
And to most will appear just fine
But then the inner wolf does appear
And then beware when he’s near
For the wolf acts when others can’t be seen
If he catches you alone he’s dreadfully mean
For to have no witness of anything you see
Means its one word against another so he can flee
Teflon shoulders he has as nothing ever sticks
So he continues with his tricks.”
The poem talks about the speaker’s friend who pretends to be his friend. However, the speaker is doubtful as the friend’s actions reveal that he is a cunning person, who is hiding his dishonesty under the guile of gentleness. However, when his inner wolf appears, it harms others secretly by playing various tricks. Therefore, we should be very careful while sharing our thoughts and opinions with others.
Example #4
A Wolf In Sheep’s Clothing by Lagaya Evans
“A wolf in sheep’s clothing
The purest and the white
Covering all the filth
And death in the nightHe comes to seek
Whom he may devour
Only but to realize
The blood and powerSatan has no hold
He cannot and will not win
A wolf in sheep’s clothing
The father of all sin.”
This poem, written from a Biblical perspective, speaks about various tricks evil plays to approach us. The speaker urges us to beware of our surroundings as the devil appears with light to deceive the innocent souls. Although he is not as mighty as God, yet he is the father of all sins. He, with his wickedness, can easily derail the innocents from the righteous paths and leaves them on the verge of chaos.
Examples in Sentences
Example #1: “Kennedy is a wolf in sheep’s clothing, out worldly generous but inwardly cunning.”
Example #2: “Like many other clients, Mrs. Tom trusted the lawyer until she discovered that he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Example #3: “My employee was not around today so when I tried to log into his email account to copy the project, I discovered he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Example #4:” After my colleague at workplace stole my project and got a promotion, I always make sure that I am not surrounded by a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
Example #5: “While walking in a nicely decorated village, my friend and I met a stranger who, apparently seemed a gentle and kind fellow but my friend suspected that he was a wolf in sheep’s clothing.”
