hungry as a wolf

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'hungry as a wolf' is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is very hungry. For example, you can say: "He's been working all day and is as hungry as a wolf!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Cliché is not spurned — time is falling through Knausgaard's hands "like sand"; elsewhere in the book, the author tells us that falling in love was like being struck by lightning, that he was head over heels in love, that he was as hungry as a wolf.

The New Yorker

Convoluted verbiage such as "In addition, an equally hitherto unsuspected vulnerability surfaced" is a faithful rendition of the original, as are many of the hackneyed phrases (hungry as a wolf, two sides of the same coin, like sand through my fingers, and so on).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Sly as a fox," "gentle as a lamb," "hungry like a wolf," the exhibition points out, are phrases showing how often we "interpret animal behavior in human terms" and "draw moral conclusions".

The New York Times - Arts

From his taped interviews to his attitude during the critiques, Cook seemed to be playing it super cool, as if he were suddenly above it all rather than hungry like a wolf to win it all.

Huffington Post

Hungry Like A Wolf: McCain put out an ad depicting Obama's oppo-researchers as hungry wolves going after Gov. Sarah Palin.

Huffington Post

Both watches are probably wildly expensive but man if I'm not hungry like a wolf for them.

TechCrunch

A three-time Emmy winner as the amoral über-agent on "Entourage," he would be a natural for the hungry-like-a-wolf Charlie.

The New York Times

You can read a letter from a girl named Asya, who tells a relative, "We're sitting here with a burning lamp, hungry as winter wolves".

The New York Times

But this wolf comes as a wolf.

The New Yorker

But as a wolf I was safe.

The New Yorker

"As a wolf, I'd attack somebody.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's ambition or eagerness, "hungry as a wolf" can add a layer of intensity beyond simple desire.

Common error

Avoid using "hungry as a wolf" in formal or academic writing, where a more direct and less figurative expression like "extremely hungry" or "highly motivated" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hungry as a wolf" functions primarily as a simile, comparing a person's hunger to the intense hunger associated with wolves. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in both literal and figurative contexts, highlighting its descriptive power.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The simile "hungry as a wolf" is used to describe a state of extreme hunger, drawing a comparison to the voracious appetite associated with wolves. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although its usage is considered uncommon. While versatile enough for news reporting, its informal tone makes it particularly suitable for creative writing or casual conversation. When selecting your words, remember alternatives like "ravenous", "famished", or "extremely hungry" can also be effective depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as hungry as a bear

Replaces the wolf with another animal known for its large appetite. This subtly changes the imagery.

famished

This term indicates a strong need for food, simplifying the comparison.

ravenous

This single word vividly conveys extreme hunger, omitting the simile structure.

starving

Emphasizes deprivation and a pressing need to eat, differing in tone.

insatiably hungry

Focuses on the never-ending aspect of hunger, adding an element of intensity.

extremely hungry

A direct and literal expression, lacking the figurative nature of the original phrase.

very hungry

This is a more generic and plain way to express great hunger.

voracious appetite

Shifts the focus to appetite rather than hunger itself, suggesting a capacity to consume a large amount.

always hungry

Highlights a constant state of hunger, modifying the temporal aspect.

peckish

This describes a mild form of hunger, the opposite of the query.

FAQs

How can I use "hungry as a wolf" in a sentence?

You can use "hungry as a wolf" to describe someone who is very hungry. For example, "After hiking all day, I was as hungry as a wolf and devoured the entire pizza."

What does it mean to be "hungry as a wolf"?

To be "hungry as a wolf" means to be extremely hungry, with a strong and intense desire for food. It's often used to emphasize the severity of someone's hunger.

What can I say instead of "hungry as a wolf"?

You can use alternatives like "ravenous", "famished", or "extremely hungry" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "hungry like a wolf"?

While "hungry as a wolf" is the more common and idiomatic expression, "hungry like a wolf" is also used and understood. However, "hungry as a wolf" is generally preferred for its established usage.