wolves in sheep's clothing
Concealed malicious intent
People who appear harmless or friendly but are actually dangerous or deceitful.
The phrase comes from a biblical warning about false prophets who disguise their true nature.
Someone described this way presents a trustworthy exterior while concealing malicious intent: The con artist was a wolf in sheep's clothing, charming elderly victims before stealing their savings.
- fraudIntentional criminal trickery
- bait and switchFraudulent sales tactic
- cunningSly, scheming cleverness
- snake in the grassSecretly treacherous person
- hideConceal or pelt
duplicity · false friend · treachery · hidden agenda · trap · predatory behavior · disloyalty · mask · exploitation · pretense · hypocrisy · manipulation · gullibility · disguise · false prophet · camouflage · allegory · misrepresentation
- deceiversliar, liars, deceiver, fraud, fake
- Scripture PhrasesJohn 3:16, Lord's Prayer, Our Father, Ten Commandments, Beatitudes
wolves in sheep's clothingwhat you see is what you get
No deception or concealment
genuine article · open book · straight shooter · honest broker · transparent
wolves in sheep's clothingdiamonds in the rough
Unrefined things of worth
sheep in wolf's clothing · rough diamond · blessing in disguise · guardian angel · unlikely hero
wolves in sheep's clothingguardian angels
Protective spirits assigned to individuals
protectors · defenders · champions · trustworthy · dependable
wolves, wolfish, wolfishly, sheepish, sheepishly, sheepishness, sheepskin, clothe, clothes