Cry wolf

verb

To raise a false alarm, to warn about a danger that does not exist.

If you keep crying wolf, nobody will believe you when you're actually in danger.
Visual representation of "cry wolf" - To raise a false alarm, to warn about a danger that does not exist

Often appears as...

  • she cried wolf too often
  • don't cry wolf

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To raise a false alarm, to warn about a danger that does not exist.

If you keep crying wolf, nobody will believe you when you're actually in danger.
Visual representation of "cry wolf" - To raise a false alarm, to warn about a danger that does not exist

Often appears as...

  • she cried wolf too often
  • don't cry wolf

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "cry wolf"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Overuse Risks

Using 'cry wolf' too often may lead others to doubt your sincerity, even in real emergencies.

Illustration for Overuse Risks
After Jack cried wolf several times, his friends ignored his calls for help.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Origins

The phrase originates from Aesop's fable, where a shepherd falsely claims a wolf is attacking his flock.

Illustration for Idiomatic Origins
Like the boy who cried wolf, she was ignored when the crisis was real.
LampPro Tip 3/3

False Alarms

'Cry wolf' suggests deception or joke, not just mistake or misunderstanding about danger.

Illustration for False Alarms
She cried wolf about the project deadline, but it wasn't actually due until next week.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Overuse Risks

Using 'cry wolf' too often may lead others to doubt your sincerity, even in real emergencies.

Illustration for Overuse Risks
After Jack cried wolf several times, his friends ignored his calls for help.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Origins

The phrase originates from Aesop's fable, where a shepherd falsely claims a wolf is attacking his flock.

Illustration for Idiomatic Origins
Like the boy who cried wolf, she was ignored when the crisis was real.
LampPro Tip 3/3

False Alarms

'Cry wolf' suggests deception or joke, not just mistake or misunderstanding about danger.

Illustration for False Alarms
She cried wolf about the project deadline, but it wasn't actually due until next week.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Overuse Risks

Using 'cry wolf' too often may lead others to doubt your sincerity, even in real emergencies.

Illustration for Overuse Risks
After Jack cried wolf several times, his friends ignored his calls for help.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Idiomatic Origins

The phrase originates from Aesop's fable, where a shepherd falsely claims a wolf is attacking his flock.

Illustration for Idiomatic Origins
Like the boy who cried wolf, she was ignored when the crisis was real.
LampPro Tip 3/3

False Alarms

'Cry wolf' suggests deception or joke, not just mistake or misunderstanding about danger.

Illustration for False Alarms
She cried wolf about the project deadline, but it wasn't actually due until next week.
Visual representation of the word "Cry wolf"

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