wolf at the door
The phrase 'wolf at the door' originates from European folklore and is used metaphorically to describe urgent threats or crises.
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Definition
C1Financial
(metaphorical, informal)A situation where someone is facing imminent financial hardship or poverty.
Example
- After losing his job, he felt the wolf at the door as bills piled up.
C1General
(metaphorical, informal)An immediate danger or crisis that needs urgent attention.
Example
- The sudden illness in the family was a wolf at the door, requiring quick decisions.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "wolf at the door":
dire wolfwolf hookwhite wolfwolf dogtiger wolflone wolfertimber wolfkeep the wolf from the dooron the door