wolf in sheep's clothing

1. Figuratively, anyone who disguises a ruthless nature through an outward show of innocence. Jesus taught his followers to “beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

Idioms and Phrases

An enemy disguised as a friend, as in Dan was a wolf in sheep's clothing, pretending to help but all the while spying for our competitors . This term comes from the ancient fable about a wolf that dresses up in the skin of a sheep and sneaks up on a flock. This fable has given rise to a rich history of allusions as in the Sermon on the Mount when Jesus speaks of false prophets in sheep's clothing, “but inwardly they are ravening wolves” (Matthew 7:15).

Example Sentences

“To use a religious term, I’m a wolf in sheep’s clothing,” Spilsbury said.

From Los Angeles Times

There’s a lightness about Stanley that I really enjoyed incorporating into the wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

Coming into the tournament López hinted that his team was ready for big things, calling Mexico a wolf in sheep’s clothing.

From Los Angeles Times

“But it seems like our job is to answer whether it’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing. That’s all we get to do.”

From New York Times

Her daughter Rhian Brown said Norgrove acted like a "wolf in sheep's clothing" after earning her trust at the church they attended in Dudley.

From BBC

Related Words

• bigot
• charlatan
• crook
• impostor
• phony
• trickster