Cry Wolf, To
Cry wolf, to - To give a false alarm.
The Origin Tale 🐑
The term stems from an ancient fable involving a shepherd boy who, feeling isolated and bored on a hilltop, repeatedly cries “Wolf!” to summon the townspeople. After several instances of finding no wolf, the townspeople become wary of his warnings. When a real wolf actually appears and the boy calls for help, his cries are ignored, and the wolf makes a meal out of his sheep. By the 19th century, the phrase was already entrenched in the language, as illustrated in R. D. Blackmore’s “Springhaven” (1887): “The cry of wolf grows stale at last, and then the real danger comes.”
Similar Terms and Expressions 📣
- False Alarm: An alarm for something that turns out to be non-existent.
- Boy Who Cried Wolf: Another way to refer to the same fable and a person who has rendered their alerts meaningless.
- Sounding the Alarm with a Whimper: Giving a warning that is exaggerated or unnecessary.
Proverbs and Sayings 📜
- “Once bitten, twice shy” - People are unlikely to believe a person after being deceived once.
- “The sky is falling” - An exaggerated or false coming disaster warning.
Literary References 📚
- Aesop’s Fables - The origin of the Boy Who Cried Wolf tale is found in Aesop’s collection.
- “The Little Shepherd Boy” by Brothers Grimm - A similar story involving false alarms.
Songs & Movies 🎶🎬
- “Cry Wolf” by A-ha - A Norwegian pop group sings about deceit and false alarms.
- “The Boy Who Cried Werewolf” (2010) - A family film with a twist on the old fable.
Inspirational Quote ✨
“Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.” – Thomas Jefferson
Get inspired by staying truthful, and remember that your warnings hold power only as long as your word does.
Farewell Thought 💭
Truth is your strongest shield. Use it wisely, for when real danger comes, your integrity—like a wolf’s howl—will pierce the silence and summon the aid you need.
Aesop Aloud
Always inspiring integrity and candor.
Published: 2023-10-01
