a wolf in sheep's clothing
/ə ˌwʊlf ɪn ˌʃiːps ˈkləʊðɪŋ/NEUTRAL · B2
Meaning
someone who seems friendly but is really dangerous
Examples
- 1The charming new neighbour turned out to be a wolf in sheep's clothing who cheated half the street.
- 2Be careful with that friendly salesman; he's a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- 3The quiet new manager seemed kind, but she was a wolf in sheep's clothing and fired half the team.
- 4That app looks harmless, but it's a wolf in sheep's clothing that steals your data.
- 5Is Leo really as nice as he seems, or is he a wolf in sheep's clothing?
Grammar
Countable: wolves in sheep's clothing in the plural. Keep the possessive sheep's and no article before clothing.
More idioms about honesty and secrets
All 20 idioms and the topic quiz →walls have earsused to warn that someone may be listeninggive the game awayto spoil a surprise by revealing what should stay hiddenunder wrapskept private for nowblow the whistle onto tell people in authority about something wrong that someone is doingabove boardhonest and legal, with nothing hiddenlie through your teethto say something you know is completely false
English Idioms400 idioms in 20 topics — with reviews that keep them from fading
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