Sheep pop up in loads of English idioms and expressions, often symbolising people who follow others, move in groups, or behave predictably. On this page, you’ll find a list of popular sheep idioms, what they mean, and examples to help you use them naturally in conversation.
What is a sheep?
You all know what a sheep is right? If not, I’ll tell you…
A sheep is a farmyard animal with a thick woolly coat. They are kept for meat, milk, and wool. The singular form is sheep, and the plural is also sheep (not sheeps!). A baby sheep is called a lamb (the ‘b’ is silent), a male sheep is called a ram and a female is called a ewe (pronounced like ‘you’).
The word ‘sheep’ is a slang word for a person who is easily influenced by others and follows the crowd.
e.g. Don’t be a sheep, buy the trainers you like not the ones all the cool kids have.
sheep idioms list
Here’s a list of common sheep-related idioms and expressions. Scroll through to see what they mean and how to use them in everyday English!
a wolf in sheep’s clothing
meaning – a dangerous person who pretends to be harmless
example – Be wary of Lucas. I’ve got no proof, but I think he’s a wolf in sheep’s clothing.
be a lamb
meaning – an endearing way to ask someone to do something for you
example – Can you be a lamb and drive me to work as it’s raining?
by hook or by crook
meaning – by any means possible (honestly or dishonestly)
example – We’re going to win this competition by hook or by crook.
count sheep
meaning – if you can’t sleep, you should count sheep
example – I counted over 3000 sheep last night. I just couldn’t sleep.
in two shakes of a lamb’s tail
meaning – in a very short time
example – I’ll be with you in two shakes of a lamb’s tail. I’ve got to send a couple of emails first.
like a lamb to the slaughter
meaning – be calm and unaware of the danger to come
example – Four boys waited like lambs to the slaughter outside the headmaster’s office.
makes sheep’s eyes at
meaning – look at someone with affection
example – I swear Lisa’s boyfriend has been making sheep’s eyes at me all night.
mutton dressed as lamb
meaning – an older woman who dresses in clothes that suit a much younger woman
example – My mum is mutton dressed as lamb; she should dress more appropriately.
one might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb
meaning – you will get the same punishment for a crime so may as well commit a bigger offence
example – I’ll borrow my sister’s shoes too; I might as well be hanged for a sheep as a lamb.
separate the sheep from the goats
meaning – decide from a group which is good, and which is bad
example – We have a training session tomorrow. Coach wants to separate the sheep from the goats.
the black sheep (of the family)
meaning – the naughty/odd/different one
example – All my family are doctors, but my brother is unemployed. He’s the black sheep.
You can download a table of sheep idioms and sayings below.
If you’ve enjoyed this page, don’t forget to check out some more animal idioms by clicking on the links below.