Wolf-whistle is a little different from many of the phrases I’ve explored. Just why the sound, made by inserting one’s fingers into…one’s mouth…is unknown. Some suggest it’s called that because the men making it are wolves–giving unwanted advances toward women. The high-pitched whistle is also sometimes called a wolf call. Humans have a long and…
Tag: sayings
Exploring wolf references “…and the wolves will eat you.”
The phrase, “Make yourself a sheep and the wolf will eat you” is from a 1773 letter to Jane Mecom, written by the famous quipster, Benjamin Franklin. In this instance, he is telling others not to allow superiors to do wrong and ignore it. Of course, the advice applies in many scenarios. Humans have a…
Exploring wolf references: a wolf in his belly
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…
Exploring wolf references: “Lone Wolf”
Lone wolf is an American expression that began in the early 1900s. A “lone wolf” is a person who acts alone or enjoys his or her own company—and not being part of the pack. The phrase persists in popular culture today. Lone Wolf is the title of a 1988 horror film, and Lone Wolf McQuade…
Exploring wolf references: “Keep the wolf from the door”
The phrase “keep the wolf from the door” means to avoid poverty or starvation. The phrase may have been inspired by the story the Three Little Pigs (1933 animated version) but is of uncertain origin. The phrase also inspired the title of the first novel in The Runes Trilogy, The Wolf at His Door (now…
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