- English translation
When the wolf heard he would be turned loose among the sheep, he burst into tears. 'Why cry? Isn't that just what you love?' they asked. 'It is,' he answered, 'but I'm afraid the news isn't true.'
- Literal wording
They said to the wolf: 'They are going to set you loose among the sheep.' So he started crying. They said: 'Isn't this something you love?' He said: 'I am afraid the news may be a lie.'
- Meaning and lesson
The proverb sketches an appetite so strong that even the promise of satisfying it brings distress. The wolf weeps not from sorrow but from fear that the delightful report, free run of the sheep, might turn out to be false.
It exposes greed through comic reversal. The wolf is a predator promised access to its prey, so the humour mocks greed rather than celebrating good fortune: one who craves such a prize cannot simply rejoice and frets that it will slip away.
- When it is used
Use it wryly when someone's anxious reaction to a tempting chance gives away how badly they want it, especially when that gain would come at others' expense. It fits teasing or sharp commentary, not sincere congratulation.
- Register
- colloquial