SHEEP Meaning and
Definition
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Sheep refer to domesticated mammals of the Genus Ovis, typically kept as livestock for their wool, meat, and milk. The term "sheep" is commonly used to denote the species Ovis aries, but it can also include multiple other species within the Genus Ovis, such as Ovis orientalis or Ovis dalli.
Sheep are herbivorous animals that mainly graze on grass, and they have a remarkable ability to thrive in various geographical conditions. They possess a thick woolly coat that serves as insulation against cold temperatures and also provides them with protection from predators. Their wool is valued for its quality and used in the production of textiles, clothing, and other materials.
Sheep are known for their social nature and tendency to follow a group leader, often referred to as a "shepherd" or a "ram." They are commonly found in flocks managed by humans, and their farming practices are known as sheep husbandry or sheep farming. These practices involve breeding them for different purposes, including obtaining lamb meat, dairy products like milk and cheese, and gathering wool for commercial use.
Sheep have been domesticated for thousands of years and have played a significant role in the agriculture and economy of many civilizations worldwide. They are found on every continent except for Antarctica and can adapt to a range of climates and terrains. Their gentle demeanor and docility make them easily manageable livestock, widely recognized for their contribution to various agricultural and textile industries.
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A well-known animal covered with wool; familiarly, one who is foolishly modest and backward; in Scrip., a term applied to God's people, indicating their relation to Him as their shepherd.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SHEEP *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SHEEP
Etymology of SHEEP
The word "sheep" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "seƀa-" or "seƀaz", which later evolved into "sceap" in Old English. This ancient word is believed to have originated from an even earlier Proto-Indo-European root word "sek" or "sekwo-", which means "to graze" or "to wander". These Indo-European language roots are also related to other terms for sheep used in Germanic languages, such as German "Schaf" and Dutch "schaap".
Idioms with the word SHEEP
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I might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "I might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb" means that since there would be severe consequences or punishment for committing a smaller offense, one might as well commit a larger offense because the punishment would be the same. It suggests choosing a more satisfying or worthwhile option when the outcome will be equally negative.
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be (like) sheep
To be (like) sheep is an idiom that refers to people blindly following others without questioning or thinking for themselves. It suggests that they mimic the behavior or opinions of others, often without consideration or independent thought. It implies a lack of individuality and critical thinking.
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like sheep
The idiom "like sheep" is used to describe people who unquestioningly and mindlessly follow others or conform to a group, without thinking for themselves or questioning their actions. It signifies behaviour similar to how sheep move in a flock, often seen as submissive and lacking independent thought.
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the black sheep (of the family)
The idiom "the black sheep (of the family)" refers to a family member who is considered different, disreputable, or unsuccessful compared to the rest of the family. This individual is often seen as a misfit or troublemaker, deviating from the accepted norms or values held by the family. The term "black sheep" implies a sense of divergence or alienation from the group, portraying the person as an outcast or someone who does not adhere to the family's expectations or standards.
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might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb" means that if the consequences or punishment for committing a small offense or transgression are likely to be severe, it would be wise to engage in a larger offense or take greater risks since the punishment will be similar. In other words, it suggests that if one is going to face the same punishment regardless of the size of the offense, they might as well commit a more significant act instead of holding back.
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separate the sheep from the goats
The idiom "separate the sheep from the goats" means to distinguish or separate people or things based on their qualities, abilities, or worth. It originates from the biblical metaphor found in the Gospel of Matthew, where Jesus describes the final judgment as separating the righteous (symbolized by sheep) from the wicked (symbolized by goats).
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might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hung for a sheep as a lamb" is a phrase that suggests that if someone is going to be punished or face consequences for a particular action, they might as well commit a more significant offense with greater benefits or indulgence, rather than a smaller one. It implies that since the punishment or consequences will be the same, one should take a risk or enjoy a larger reward instead of settling for a smaller one.
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(you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb
The idiom "(you, etc.) may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb" means that if one is already going to face severe consequences for a particular action, they might as well engage in a more significant, potentially riskier action without fear of the additional consequences. It implies that if someone is already in trouble for a small offense, they might as well commit a bigger offense since the punishment will be similar.
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the black sheep
The idiom "the black sheep" refers to a person who is considered different, disreputable, or rebellious within a family or a group. This person is often seen as the outsider or the one who deviates from the expected or accepted standards and behavior of their relatives or associates.
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sort out/separate the sheep from the goats
The idiom "sort out/separate the sheep from the goats" means to distinguish or differentiate between two groups of people or things, often referring to separating the good from the bad or the valuable from the worthless. It implies the act of identifying or categorizing individuals based on their qualities, characteristics, or merits.
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hanged for a sheep as a lamb, might as well be
The idiom "hanged for a sheep as a lamb, might as well be" means that if one is going to be punished or criticized for a lesser offense, they might as well have committed a greater offense. It suggests that since the consequences or judgment will be similar regardless, it is better to take a bigger risk or pursue a more substantial gain.
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separate/sort out the sheep from the goats
To separate/sort out the sheep from the goats is an idiom that means to distinguish between or separate the good or valuable things (sheep) from the bad or undesirables (goats), or to differentiate between the worthy and unworthy individuals or things in a group. It implies the act of making a clear distinction or judgment between two or more things or people based on their qualities, characteristics, or merits.
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may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb
The idiom "may/might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb" refers to the concept that if one is going to be punished for a particular offense, they may as well commit a greater offense because the punishment will be the same. This idiom implies that since the consequences will be equally severe, one might as well take a bigger risk or go further in their actions.
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black sheep
The idiom "black sheep" refers to an individual who is considered different, an outcast or an embarrassment to their family or group due to their unconventional behavior, choices, or characteristics.
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count sheep
The idiom "count sheep" means to imagine or visualize a series of sheep jumping over a fence in order to help oneself fall asleep. It is a common technique or mental exercise used to induce relaxation and sleepiness.
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I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
"I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb" is an idiom that means since the punishment or consequence will be the same, one might as well commit a more serious offense or take a greater risk. It suggests that if someone is already facing severe consequences for a minor act, they may as well commit a more significant action as the outcome will be equally unfavorable.
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might as well be hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb
The idiom "might as well be hung for a sheep as (for) a lamb" means that since the punishment for a small crime is the same as that for a greater offense, there is no significant difference between the two. It implies that if you are going to face serious consequences for something minor, you might as well commit a more significant act with a potentially greater reward or benefit.
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black sheep of the family
The idiom "black sheep of the family" refers to a family member who is considered different, deviant, or unpopular in comparison to the rest of the family. This individual may have behavioral or lifestyle choices that are unconventional or frowned upon by other family members. The term often implies disapproval or disappointment towards this person's actions or qualities, singling them out as an outcast or the odd one out within the family unit.
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you might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb
The idiom "you might as well be hung for a sheep as for a lamb" is a phrase that suggests there is no significant difference in the consequences or punishment between committing a small offense or a larger offense. In other words, if one is already facing severe consequences for a minor transgression, they might as well go all-in and take the risk for a major transgression. The idiom emphasizes the idea that if the punishment is going to be severe regardless, one might consider taking a bigger risk or indulging in a greater reward.
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I might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb.
The idiom "I might as well be hanged/hung for a sheep as a lamb" means that if one is going to be punished or criticized for doing something relatively minor or harmless, they might as well go ahead and do something more significant or daring. It suggests that the consequences will be the same regardless, so one might as well take a risk or fully embrace an opportunity rather than holding back.
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a/the black sheep
The idiom "a/the black sheep" refers to a person who is considered the odd one out or behaves contrary to the rest of their family or social group. They are often perceived as different or disreputable, often due to their behavior, beliefs, or lifestyle choices that deviate from societal norms or family expectations.
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sort out the sheep from the goats
The idiom "sort out the sheep from the goats" means to distinguish or identify the more worthy or knowledgeable individuals from the less deserving or less knowledgeable ones in a group. It refers to the process of separating or differentiating the superior and inferior aspects or people within a collective.
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cast a sheep's eye
To cast a sheep's eye means to look at someone with affection or flirtatiously.
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a wolf in sheep's clothing
Someone who appears harmless or innocent but is actually dangerous, deceptive, or malicious.
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make sheep's eyes at (one)
To look at someone with a loving or amorous expression.
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make sheep's eyes at
To give someone adoring or loving looks, especially in a flirtatious or coy manner.
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wolf in sheep's clothing
A person who appears friendly and trustworthy on the surface but is actually dangerous, deceitful, or malicious.
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make sheep's eyes at someone
To make sheep's eyes at someone means to look at them with a gaze of affection or desire. It is often used to describe someone who is flirting or showing interest in another person.
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make sheep's eyes at sb
To make sheep's eyes at someone means to look at them in a way that shows a lot of love or admiration, as if you are very attracted to them.
Similar spelling words for SHEEP
- shop,
- ship,
- sheffey,
- SHOPE,
- shippey,
- SHIPE,
- shove,
- Sheba,
- shobe,
- seep,
- shape,
- shippy,
- Shupp,
- Shive,
- shipp,
- shupe,
- shipway,
- sheaf,
- Shoop,
- shave,
- shippee,
- shoup,
- shf.
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