Scarier than a horror movie villain who reveals his true diabolical form when you least expect it, a “wolf in sheep’s clothing” represents an enemy who pretends to be a friend. Stemming from Aesop’s fable, where a wolf sneaks into a flock disguised as one of its own, the metaphor has been echoed through the ages, resonating in various texts and contexts.
Related and Similar Terms
- Snake in the grass: An unseen or stealthy enemy; someone who pretends to be a friend while secretly being treacherous.
- Two-faced: A person who says one thing to you and something else to someone else.
- Backstabber: An untrustworthy person who pretends to be a friend but does things to harm you secretly.
Examples in Popular Culture
Books:
- Othello by William Shakespeare – Iago pretends to be Othello’s friend, while secretly plotting against him.
- 1984 by George Orwell – O’Brien deceives Winston Smith into believing he is an ally.
Movies:
- The Godfather – Michael Corleone is surrounded by rivals disguised as friends.
- The Usual Suspects – Keyser Söze pretends to be a harmless individual, hiding his true nature.
Quotes:
- “Beware of false friends; they are like shadows, keeping close to us while we walk in the sunshine, but leaving us when we cross into the shade.” – Christian Nestell Bovee
- “The only thing more frustrating than slanderers is those foolish enough to listen to them.” – Chris Jammi
Related Proverbs
- “Better an open enemy than a false friend.” – At least you know where you stand with an enemy.
- “Trust but verify.” – Don’t take everything at face value.
### Which of these phrases means someone who pretends to be a friend but is actually an enemy?
- [x] A wolf in sheep’s clothing
- [ ] A bear in a box
- [ ] A tiger in a teacup
- [ ] A dragon in denim
> **Explanation:** "A wolf in sheep’s clothing" is the correct idiom, describing someone who hides harmful intentions behind a friendly appearance.
### Is the phrase "wolf in sheep’s clothing" typically used to describe:
- [ ] An actual wolf in disguise
- [x] A deceitful person
- [ ] A rare animal
- [ ] An unusual friend
> **Explanation:** The phrase is used metaphorically to describe someone who is deceitful.
### Which of the following is a similar idiom that suggests treachery or deceit?
- [x] Snake in the grass
- [ ] Elephant in the room
- [ ] Bull in a china shop
- [ ] Monkey on your back
> **Explanation:** "Snake in the grass" is also used to describe a deceitful person, while the other phrases have different meanings.
### True or False: "Wolf in sheep’s clothing" is based on a fable by Aesop.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True, it comes from Aesop’s fable where a wolf disguises itself as a sheep.
### Which Biblical reference warns of "wolves in sheep's clothing"?
- [ ] Moses
- [ ] John the Baptist
- [ ] David
- [x] Jesus
> **Explanation:** Jesus warns of false prophets in sheep’s clothing but are inwardly "ravening wolves" in Matthew 7:15.
Farewell, language enthusiast! Remember, the world is full of colorful expressions waiting to be unraveled. Stay savvy, and keep your eyes wide open for the wolves in sheep’s clothing around you!
Elias Cleverquotes
