Something harmful or problematic disguised as something peaceful or pleasant.

Etymology:

  • From Matthew 7:15: “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves”.
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Submitted on September 01, 2009

Additional definitions for 'wolf in sheep's clothing':

wolf in sheep's clothingGrammar school stories told of the Wily wolf wearing a sheepskin costume as he stealthily circles the grazing sheep seeking to snatch a helpless little lamb in his sharp-toothed and drooling vicious jaws!
Wolf in Sheep's ClothingA person who is dangerous but pretends to be harmless, an enemy who is disguising as a friend
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    "wolf in sheep's clothing." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/wolf-in-sheeps-clothing_8054>.

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