Where dose the term: the wolf at the door come from?

Answer 1

In the old days, when the grey wolf still populated Europe, it was considered a very real threat. During winter months, the wolf pack would get increasingly more hungry; making it more bold in its attacks.

People outside the safety of the towns would also run out of food and wood for fire. A cold, dark house, reeking with the smell of warm meat was like a loud dinner bell for the wolf.

"Keeping the wolf from the door" came to express having the basic necessities for life.

Answer 2

it orginally mean't Creditors or a creditor,

because like todays baliffs they are unforgiving as hungry ravinous wolves.


Another saying

keep the wolf from the door
Ward off starvation or financial ruin. For example, In many countries people are working simply to keep the wolf from the door, and owning a car or washing machine is just a dream, or Gail would take any job now, just to keep the wolf from the door. This term alludes to the wolf's fabled ravenousness. [Mid-1500s]

Answer 3

Little Red Riding Hood or The Three Little Pigs? It's about keeping hunger at bay, isn't it? I don't know who coined the phrase though.

Answer 4

three little pigs or to keep the rent collectors or debt collectors away

Answer 5

It mean that, There are all sort of bad persons try to either gain entry in to your home, or that someone is trying to get you buy something and over charge you for that item....... Any way it mean that watch out for the bad person that could knock on your front door...........................................................................................

Answer 6

The three little pigs.

Answer 7

a song by radiohead... ;) i think the actual phrase denotes a take care/ beware attitude...

Answer 8

yep the three little pigs