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- DictionaryCry wolf
- ▪ call for help when it is not needed, with the effect that one is not believed when one really does need help
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CRY WOLF definition: 1. to keep asking for help when you do not need it, with the result that people think you do not…. Learn more.
Meaning: The meaning of the phrase “ cry wolf ” is to lie. This phrase refers to a person who lies or complains about something even though no real problems are present. Example: One of my employees called in sick today and said that he needed a few days off.
The idiom “cry wolf” is a well-known phrase in the English language that refers to someone who repeatedly raises false alarms, causing others to ignore their warnings when a real crisis occurs.
cry wolf. To raise a false alarm, to ask for assistance when you don't need it, and by extension, to exaggerate or lie. The phrase comes from the Aesop fable, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” in which a young shepherd found it amusing to make villagers think a wolf is attacking his flock.
1. : to call loudly : shout. She cried out for help. 2.
The idiom cry wolf is when someone raises a false alarm, typically more than once, leading others to doubt their sincerity even when they tell the truth later. It’s about deceit and karma. If you’re caught lying more than once, it destroys your credibility.
This term comes from the tale about a young shepherd watching his flock who, lonely and fearful, called for help by shouting “Wolf!”. After people came to his aid several times and saw no wolf, they ignored his cries when a wolf actually attacked his sheep.
