wolf down: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘wolf down’ mean?
The idiom "wolf down" means to eat something quickly and eagerly, often without paying much attention to manners or etiquette.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "throw to the wolves" means to sacrifice someone to a hostile or merciless group or situation, often for personal gain or to divert attention and avoid responsibility.
The idiom "take a bite out of" means to reduce or lessen something, usually by a significant amount.
The idiom "suck down" means to consume something quickly or with enthusiasm, often referring to drinks or food. It is a colloquial expression used to describe the act of drinking or eating something in a hearty or eager manner.
The idiom "shove something down someone's throat" means to force someone to accept or believe something, often in an aggressive or relentless manner.
The idiom "ram something down someone's throat" means to force someone to accept or believe something, usually by being very persistent or aggressive in presenting it.
The idiom "lick out" means to finish or consume something quickly or completely.
The idiom "knock down" means to forcefully bring someone or something to the ground. It can also refer to reducing the price or value of something significantly.
The idiom "kick a dog when it's down" means to take advantage of someone who is already vulnerable or in a weakened state, typically to further harm or humiliate them. It implies a lack of compassion or empathy towards others.
The idiom "jump down someone's throat" means to angrily and aggressively criticize or confront someone about something they have said or done.
The idiom "hoover up" means to consume or gather something quickly and thoroughly. It is often used to describe someone who eats or drinks a large amount of food or a person who collects or acquires something in a rapid and efficient manner.
The Enigmatic Origins
"chow down" is a related idiom that shares similarities with "wolf down." Both idioms describe the act of eating with fervor and speed. While "wolf down" specifically evokes the image of a wolf's intense and voracious eating habits, "chow down" is a more casual and colloquial phrase used to describe eating a large and satisfying meal. The use of "chow down" in everyday speech and writing further emphasizes the idea of enthusiastic and hearty consumption.
Similarly, "suck down" is another related idiom that conveys the act of consuming a beverage quickly and eagerly. While "wolf down" pertains primarily to eating solid food, "suck down" is specifically associated with drinking. This idiom is often used to describe the action of consuming a drink, such as a soda, juice, or even an alcoholic beverage, in a swift and almost excessive manner. Like "wolf down" and "chow down," "suck down" emphasizes the intensity and speed of consumption, but with a focus on liquids.
The idiom "duck down" is a phrase that shares a similar structure to "wolf down." While "duck down" does not directly relate to the act of eating, it serves as a parallel example of using two words together to create a vivid and concise description. "Duck down" means to quickly lower oneself, often to avoid being seen or hit. This idiom is distinct from "wolf down" in terms of its meaning and application, but similar in its use of simple and direct language to paint a clear picture of an action.
Lastly, "do down" is another idiom that aligns with the structure of "wolf down." However, "do down" carries a different meaning and usage compared to the previous idioms mentioned. "Do down" means to criticize or belittle someone, often in a harsh or unfair manner. While "wolf down" describes the act of eating, "do down" focuses on the act of demeaning or disparaging someone. This idiom exemplifies the versatility of the two-word structure and demonstrates how it can be used to describe a range of actions and behaviors.
Overall, these related idioms - "chow down," "suck down," "duck down," and "do down" - serve as examples of how the structure and style of "wolf down" can be adapted to various contexts and actions. Despite their distinct meanings, they all share a common thread of using concise and vibrant language to convey a particular action or behavior. By incorporating these idioms into the article about "wolf down," we can further highlight the versatility and impact of such idiomatic expressions in everyday language.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "wolf down" can be used in a sentence:
1. He was so hungry after playing sports that he wolfed down a whole pizza by himself.
2. The family was late for the movie, so they had to wolf down their dinner in order to make it on time.
3. Despite being in a hurry, she took the time to properly enjoy her breakfast instead of wolfing it down.
More "Eating" idioms
