like a wolf on the fold
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Meaning · English
In a sudden or aggressive manner.
Register: dated
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I came down like a wolf on the fold, didn’t I ? Why didn’t I telephone ? Strategy, my dear boy, strategy. This is a surprise attack, and I’d no wish that the garrison, forewarned, should escape. …
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “like a wolf on the fold” mean?
In a sudden or aggressive manner.
Is “like a wolf on the fold” formal or informal?
like a wolf on the fold is generally dated.