The phrase "hungry as a wolf" is often used to describe a person's intense hunger. The spelling of the word "hungry" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) transcription. The first syllable is pronounced with the "h" sound followed by the short "ʌ" sound, as in "huh". The second syllable is pronounced with a "ng" sound followed by the long "ɹ" sound, as in "ring". The final syllable is pronounced with a short "i" sound followed by the silent "y" letter.
"Hungry as a wolf" is an idiomatic expression that implies an intense feeling of hunger. The phrase originates from the predatory nature of wolves, known for their voracious appetite and willingness to hunt for sustenance.
Used metaphorically, the phrase suggests a state of extreme hunger or appetite, often indicating the person's desperation for food or their heightened desire to consume something. When someone describes themselves or others as "hungry as a wolf," it highlights a hunger that cannot be easily satisfied and conveys a sense of urgency and intensity in their need for nourishment.
The comparison to wolves establishes a visual and sensory image of a creature driven by an insatiable hunger, adding emphasis to the extent of one's appetite. Additionally, drawing a parallel to a wolf's hunger can also imply a certain level of ferociousness or determination in obtaining food.
"Hungry as a wolf" can be used both literally, to describe an intense physical sensation of hunger, and metaphorically, in situations where an individual harbors an intense desire or craving for something other than food. Its usage is not limited to food-related contexts, but extends to any situation where a person's longing or yearning is particularly strong or demanding.