Oves

Things to know about sheep

There are plenty of phrases in our colloquial language refering to sheep and the life of shepherds. One often wonders what could have been the origin of these terms. Therefore, we collected a little list of those phrases in order to explain their origin.

 

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Black sheep
Outsiders which - like black sheep in a flock of sheep with mostly pale fur - are easily recognized and discernible from their peers are referred to as "black sheep". In former times, black sheep were unpopular due to the fact that their fur and wool was not easily stained. See, however, reports about a flock consisting exclusively of black sheep.
Wulf in sheep's clothing
A "wulf in sheep's clothing" is a predator among vegetarians. This term is used for somebody misbehaving within his neighborhood and environment by getting rich at the expense of his putative fellows. He exploits his fellows' social behaviour and peaceableness to fleece them. Self-doubt, empathy and thoughtfulness are unknown to him, because among his real fellows, his behaviour would definitely be justifiable and normal.

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