Upon a slight pretext the wolf takes the sheep.
Upon a slight pretext the wolf takes the sheep.
Meaning in plain English
Someone intent on taking advantage may use a weak excuse to justify it. The wolf’s pretext disguises a desire already directed toward the sheep.
Example
A club asks why a small technicality disqualifies one applicant while the same issue is ignored for others.
Deeper explanation and when to use it
The wolf does not need a substantial reason before taking the sheep; a slight pretext will serve. The image exposes the difference between the explanation offered and the motive driving the action. It can help someone question whether a claimed rule is being applied fairly or is merely a convenient justification for an unequal decision. That suspicion still needs evidence. An unfavourable outcome is not enough to establish bad faith. A careful use compares the stated reason with the facts, the treatment of similar cases and the person’s actions before deciding that the excuse conceals exploitation.
When to use it
Use it to examine whether a stated reason conceals unfair advantage.
Keep in mind
Unequal motives should be assessed from evidence, not assumed.
Edsverb editorial interpretation · agent reviewed · 2026-10-04. This explains the saying; it does not establish its historical origin.
- Source
- A Polyglot of Foreign Proverbs (1857)
Printed page 4; French section, paragraph 74; source wording: A petite achoison le loup prend le mouton.
Read the original context ↗ - Attribution confidence
- traditional · historical anthology
Preserved as printed; independently unverified. - Historical coordinate
- Undated
No reliable date supplied by the collection. - Rights & edition
- Public domain (United States)
Translations and rights may differ elsewhere.
Provenance and licences ↗