In the vast realm of English idioms, animal-related phrases often carry rich meanings and fascinating histories. Among these, wolf idioms are particularly evocative, conjuring images of the wild and symbolizing various aspects of human behavior and life situations. Here, we explore 20 wolf idioms, and their meanings, and provide example sentences to illustrate their usage.
Wolf Idioms
1. Wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Deceptive person hiding harmful intent.
Example: He was a wolf in sheep’s clothing at work.
2. Lone wolf
Meaning: Someone who acts independently.
Example: Mike is a lone wolf at the office.
3. Cry wolf
Meaning: Falsely claim distress.
Example: She cried wolf once too often.
4. Keep the wolf from the door
Meaning: Avoid extreme poverty.
Example: His job keeps the wolf from the door.
5. Throw to the wolves
Meaning: Abandon someone to criticism.
Example: He was thrown to the wolves unfairly.
6. Wolf down
Meaning: Eat something very rapidly.
Example: He wolfed down his dinner quickly.
7. A wolf in sheep’s clothing
Meaning: Someone who pretends to be friendly.
Example: Beware; she’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
8. Run with the wolves
Meaning: Associate with wild or reckless people.
Example: She loves to run with the wolves.
9. Wolf at the door
Meaning: A threat or problem is imminent.
Example: Financial troubles are the wolf at the door.
10. Lead a wolf by the ears
Meaning: Manage a dangerous situation.
Example: He’s leading a wolf by the ears.
11. The wolf changes his coat, not his disposition
Meaning: People’s nature doesn’t change.
Example: He’s the same, wolf’s coat or not.
12. Howl with the wolves
Meaning: Conform to others’ bad behavior.
Example: At night, he howls with the wolves.
13. A wolf in the fold
Meaning: An enemy within the group.
Example: There’s a wolf in the fold here.
14. Feed the wolf
Meaning: Address or mitigate a problem.
Example: It’s time to feed the wolf, indeed.
15. Between a wolf and a dog
Meaning: Between two similar, confusing things.
Example: It’s between a wolf and a dog.
16. Make a wolf of the dog
Meaning: Make someone more savage.
Example: Don’t make a wolf of the gentle dog.
17. Wolf’s eyes
Meaning: To view with suspicion.
Example: He regarded the deal with wolf’s eyes.
18. Outrun the wolf
Meaning: Escape financial difficulties.
Example: He’s trying to outrun the wolf now.
19. Sleep with one eye open like a wolf
Meaning: Be extremely cautious.
Example: In this job, sleep like a wolf.
20. The sea-wolf
Meaning: An experienced sailor.
Example: He’s a real sea-wolf now, truly.
Related:Â 20 Dog Idioms in English
