[Idiom] CRY WOLF. - How Crying Wolf Can Erode Trust and Integrity

Give a false alarm.

The phrase "cry wolf" originates from a fable where a shepherd boy repeatedly tricks villagers into thinking a wolf is attacking his flock. When a wolf does appear, the villagers no longer believe him, leading to dire consequences. This idiom is used to describe any instance where false alarms are raised, leading to skepticism and a lack of responsiveness when a real crisis occurs. It serves as a reminder of the importance of honesty and the risks associated with deceiving others, particularly in terms of maintaining credibility and trust.

Example Sentences

1. He tends to cry wolf, so nobody takes him seriously anymore.

   The individual is known for false alarms and, as a result, is no longer regarded as credible.

2. She cried wolf too many times, and now she's ignored.

   This indicates a loss of trust due to repeatedly lying or exaggerating about dangers.

3. When you cry wolf too often, people will start doubting even your genuine concerns.

   The saying is used to explain that frequent false alarms can lead to skepticism when faced with real issues.