IdiomAnimalsEnglish

wolf in sheep's clothing

Meaning: Someone who presents himself as a harmless person, but who has intentions that are not honorable.

Example: “The charming investor turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing.”

Equivalents in other languages

Origin: From the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 7:15): "Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves." Fables of a wolf disguised in a sheepskin are often credited to Aesop, but those versions are later retellings.

More English idioms

Explore another collection: Proverbs

Short sayings of timeless wisdom from more than 50 cultures, each with its meaning and origin.

Browse all proverbs →

Keep exploring

Explore all idioms →