A Fox in Sheep’s Clothing
The idiom of “a fox in sheep’s clothing” is undoubtedly a fitting description of someone who is deceptive in nature. Whether it’s someone who is being deceitful to achieve a personal gain, or one who is masking their true intentions, this proverbial phrase refers to an individual “up to no good”.
What Does it Mean?
The phrase “a fox in sheep’s clothing” dates all the way back to 1298 and has been used for centuries to describe someone who conceals their malignant traits under the guise of a kind one. In other words, it denotes a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and is often used to refer to:
- Upright Liars: Someone who pretends to be kind and courteous, but is actually dishonest and manipulative.
- Charismatic Fraudsters: Someone who has a good sense of charm and persuasion and uses it to bring about lies and deceptions.
- Deceptive Tricksters: Someone who pretends to be someone credible or trustworthy, but has malicious intentions.
A fox in sheep’s clothing can often be found among groups of unsuspecting individuals, who may see them only as friends when they’re actually up to no good.
Examples of Usage
The phrase “a fox in sheep’s clothing” is often used in everyday conversation, literature, and in the media to describe someone who is deceiving. Here are a few examples of the phrase being used in different contexts:
- “She thought she was going out with a nice guy, but he turned out to be a fox in sheep’s clothing.”
- “He may look charming, but don’t let his pleasant demeanor fool you — he’s a fox in sheep’s clothing.”
- “He was a wolf in sheep’s clothing, and it was only a matter of time before his true colors started to show.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, the phrase “a fox in sheep’s clothing” is used to describe someone who is deceptive in nature or someone who is masking their true intentions. Such people often come into our lives in plain sight, and it’s important to be aware of their presence and keep in mind the true nature of their character.