A big bad wolf.

Meaning: This is a phrase used to describe a wolf that is large, evil, and dangerous.

Choice of Words: Big describes something large in size or amount. Bad means evil or morally wrong. Wolf is a carnivorous mammal of the genus Canis, which is often depicted as a villain in children's stories.

Alternative Expressions

A wolf with big teeth.

Meaning: This describes a wolf that has big teeth. It's like saying, The wolf has teeth that are big and sharp.

Choice of Words: Wolf is a type of wild animal. Teeth are the hard, white things in our mouths that we use to bite and chew. When you put them together, "A wolf with big teeth" creates a picture of a wolf with large teeth.

A mean wolf with sharp claws.

Meaning: This describes a wolf that is mean and has sharp claws. It's like saying, The wolf is mean and has claws that are sharp and dangerous.

Choice of Words: Mean means something or someone that is not good or harmful. Claws are the sharp nails on the paws of some animals. When you put them together, "A mean wolf with sharp claws" creates a picture of a wolf that is both mean and has sharp claws.

Related Expressions