THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
A person who appears friendly or harmless but hides a harmful character or intention.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- The charming adviser in the novel turns out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
The charming adviser in the novel turns out to be ________.
Show the answer
A wolf in sheep’s clothing — A person who appears friendly or harmless but hides a harmful character or intention.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “A wolf in sheep’s clothing” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
A person who appears friendly or harmless but hides a harmful character or intention.
Compare: The charming adviser in the novel turns out to be a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
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More ways to understand and use it
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Picture the meaning
The fictional character appears welcoming, but his behaviour behind the colleague’s back reveals an unkind character. The scene illustrates the contrast in “a wolf in sheep’s clothing”.
When to use it
Use this strong expression in storytelling or when discussing deceptive appearances. It is a serious judgement, so do not use it casually about someone merely because you dislike them.
More examples in context
- The film presents the apparently helpful stranger as a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
- The hero realises that the generous host is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
Usage note
Keep the possessive “sheep’s” and the uncountable noun “clothing”. The contrast is between a harmless appearance and a harmful reality, not simply between a quiet manner and a strong personality.
A short conversation
A: Can the hero trust the friendly guide?
B: I don’t think so. The story suggests he is a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
A: I’ll watch for clues in the next chapter.
One more practice question
Which fictional character is a wolf in sheep’s clothing?
A. A friendly adviser whose actions are consistently kind and honest.
B. A friendly-looking adviser secretly planning to harm the hero.
Check your answer
B. A harmless appearance conceals harmful intentions.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.