un lobo con piel de cordero
/un lobo kon pjel de koɾdeɾo/from spelling rules
The English phrase 'a wolf in sheep's clothing' is translated into Spanish as un lobo con piel de cordero.
This idiom is used to describe someone who hides their malicious intentions behind a facade of kindness or innocence.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'a wolf with the skin of a lamb'.
How does it change in a sentence?
The phrase uses cordero (lamb) instead of 'oveja' (sheep) to maintain the traditional idiomatic structure.
Did you know?
Examples in context
- Él es un lobo con piel de cordero.He is a wolf in sheep's clothing.This sentence is useful for identifying a male subject as un lobo con piel de cordero.Tatoeba #1080379 by hayastan, translation #71977 by CM
- Eres un lobo con piel de cordero.You are a wolf in sheep's clothing.This sentence is useful for identifying a second-person subject as un lobo con piel de cordero.Tatoeba #854300 by opor, translation #282000 by gracehero
- Creo que Juan es un lobo con piel de oveja. Parece amigable y confiable, pero en realidad, solo busca su propio beneficio.I think Juan is a wolf in sheep's clothing. He seems friendly and trustworthy, but in reality, he only looks out for his own benefit.
- Ten cuidado, ese hombre es un lobo con piel de cordero.Be careful, that man is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
Example conversation
Elena and Daniel are discussing a new coworker at the office.
- Elena¿Confías en el nuevo jefe?Do you trust the new boss?
- DanielNo, creo que es un lobo con piel de cordero.No, I think he is a wolf in sheep's clothing.
- ElenaTienes razón, parece demasiado amable.You're right, he seems too kind.
- DanielExacto, hay que vigilarlo.Exactly, we should watch him.
Sources
- IPA marked “from spelling rules” is derived from standard Spanish spelling, where Wiktionary gives none.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries con, cordero, de, lobo, piel, un, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
