cry wolf

C

cry wolf (metaphor)
/kraɪ wʊlf/

Meaning

• to keep asking for help, even when you don’t need it. When you really need help, no one believes you.
• to state that there is a problem when there is none. In the event that a real problem comes up no one believes you
• to claim that something is happening when it isn’t
• give a false warning of danger, etc. by crying unnecessarily for help

Example Sentences

1. The little boy had cried wolf so many times that when he was really sick no one believed him.
2. The woman cried wolf so often that when she really needed help the security company took their time to get to her.
3. These doomsday cults have cried wolf so many times that no one even listens to them anymore.
4. As the children has cried wolf too often, the parents has stopped taking its notice.

Origin and History

The idiom “cry wolf” is widely understood to mean raising a false alarm or lying about a threat, leading others to disregard future warnings. This expression is deeply rooted in folklore, with its most recognized origin tracing back to Aesop’s fable, “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” However, various theories and interpretations have emerged over time, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this phrase’s history.

Aesop’s Fable: The Classic Origin

Aesop, a Greek storyteller believed to have lived between 620 and 564 BCE, is credited with numerous fables that impart moral lessons. One such tale is “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” In this story, a young shepherd, seeking amusement, falsely alerts villagers to a wolf’s attack on his flock. After several false alarms, the villagers become skeptical. When a real wolf appears and the boy cries out for genuine help, the villagers, thinking it’s another prank, ignore him, leading to the loss of the sheep and, in some versions, the boy himself. The moral underscores the consequences of lying: habitual liars lose credibility, even when they’re truthful.

Earliest Recorded Usage

The fable was initially recorded in Greek and wasn’t translated into Latin until the 15th century. Its widespread dissemination in Europe began after appearing in Heinrich Steinhöwel’s collection of fables. The earliest English translations date back to the 17th century. The phrase “cry wolf” itself started appearing in English texts around this period, encapsulating the fable’s moral lesson.

Alternative Theories and Interpretations

While Aesop’s fable is the most cited origin, other theories and interpretations have been proposed:

1. Medieval Hunting Practices: In medieval Europe, hunting was both a necessity and a sport. Hunters would often use trained wolves to assist in driving game. A “cry wolf” could have been a signal among hunters, indicating the release or sighting of these trained wolves. Over time, this term might have evolved, especially if hunters falsely signaled the presence of a wolf to disrupt competitors or jest, leading to the modern meaning of raising a false alarm.
2. Folklore and Superstition: Wolves have long been central figures in folklore, often symbolizing danger or deceit. In some cultures, it was believed that uttering the word “wolf” could summon the creature or bring misfortune. Thus, to “cry wolf” might have originally referred to invoking unnecessary fear or superstition, which, if done frivolously, would lead to genuine warnings being ignored.
3. Linguistic Evolution: Some linguists suggest that the phrase could have originated from a mistranslation or evolution of older sayings. For instance, the Old English word “wulf” not only referred to the animal but was also used metaphorically to describe outlaws or deceivers. To “cry wulf” might have meant to call out deceit or danger, which over centuries transformed into the current idiom.

Cultural Impact and Modern Usage

The phrase “cry wolf” has transcended its origins, embedding itself in various cultural contexts. It’s used in literature, media, and everyday conversation to caution against the dangers of false alarms. For instance, in environmental debates, skeptics might accuse activists of “crying wolf” about climate change, suggesting that repeated warnings without immediate visible consequences could lead to public apathy.

In popular culture, the idiom has been referenced in titles of books, movies, and songs, often to denote themes of deception or ignored warnings. For example, Wilbur Smith’s 1976 novel “Cry Wolf” delves into themes of conflict and betrayal, echoing the essence of the idiom.

See also: false alarm

Animal, Wolf