CRY WOLF Meaning and
Definition
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"Cry wolf" is an idiomatic expression that originates from one of Aesop's fables, commonly referred to as "The Boy Who Cried Wolf." The expression is used to describe a situation where someone repeatedly raises a false alarm or claims there is danger in order to receive attention or assistance, but when a real threat eventually arises, their credibility is compromised as nobody believes them.
The phrase can also be used metaphorically to describe individuals who frequently exaggerate or fabricate stories or problems, resulting in their loss of credibility when genuine issues arise. "Crying wolf" implies that the person has utilized their alarmist behavior so often that others become skeptical and fail to respond when an actual emergency or valid concern arises.
By continuously making false claims, the individual diminishes the trust and confidence others place in them, leading to a lack of response or assistance when it is truly needed. This idiom serves as a cautionary tale, reminding individuals of the consequences of dishonesty or creating unnecessary panic and the importance of maintaining credibility and trustworthiness.
The phrase "cry wolf" has become a widely recognized saying, used in various contexts beyond its original fable. Its dictionary definition encompasses the act of falsely alerting others frequently, leading to a loss of credibility and a lack of response when genuine emergencies or concerns arise.
Common Misspellings for CRY WOLF
- crey wolf
- xry wolf
- vry wolf
- fry wolf
- dry wolf
- cey wolf
- cdy wolf
- cfy wolf
- cty wolf
- c5y wolf
- c4y wolf
- crt wolf
- crg wolf
- crh wolf
- cru wolf
- cr7 wolf
- cr6 wolf
- cry qolf
- cry aolf
- cry solf
Etymology of CRY WOLF
The phrase "cry wolf" originates from the fable "The Boy Who Cried Wolf", which is commonly attributed to the ancient Greek storyteller Aesop. This fable, believed to have originated in the 6th century BCE, tells the story of a shepherd boy who repeatedly tricks nearby villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his sheep. However, when a wolf actually appears and the boy cries out for help, the villagers do not come as they believe it to be another false alarm. As a result, the wolf devours the boy's flock.
The phrase "cry wolf" has its etymological roots in this fable, and it means to give a false alarm or feign a crisis repeatedly, leading others to ignore genuine warnings or pleas for help. It is often used to caution against exaggeration or the diminishing credibility of repetitive dishonest claims.
Idioms with the word CRY WOLF
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cry wolf
The idiom "cry wolf" means to raise a false alarm or give a false warning, causing people to stop taking your warnings seriously. It is derived from the fable of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf," where a shepherd boy repeatedly tricks the villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock, until they no longer believe him when a real wolf appears.
Similar spelling words for CRY WOLF
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