The saying, “A growing youth has a wolf in his belly” uses the image of a feasting wolf to demonstrate how much a teenager eats. Unlike many of the references, this one has a comical edge to it and is most akin to “wolf down.”

Humans have a long and sordid history with wolves. As I explore these phrases, I’ll note that much of the danger of wolves is mythology. Wolf fact can be found here.

This subject was inspired by #WerewolfWednesday, which I hold each week on my Facebook page.

Also see:

• Fear makes the wolf bigger
• Run with the wolves
• Throw to the wolves
• Wolf down
• Keep the wolves at bay
• Lone Wolf
• Cry Wolf
• Keep the wolf from the door
• Wolf in sheep’s clothing