shepherd a flock

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shepherd a flock" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used metaphorically to describe guiding or managing a group of people, often in a leadership or mentoring context. Example: "As a manager, it's important to shepherd a flock of diverse talents and help them grow together."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It has soothed and tried to shepherd a flock of anxious allies.

The Economist

Father Moynihan must shepherd a flock that has many things material, and he does it with aplomb.

The New York Times

"You can't shepherd a flock and not be personally involved.

Los Angeles Times

Covered in shit for four days, asked to smile about it and shepherd a flock of fat complaining idiots facing this kind of difficulty for perhaps the first time in their pampered lives, and then your reward is… what?

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bob Benn, 75, who has been shepherding a flock of 500 Herdwicks in Cumbria's remote Ennerdale Valley since he was a boy, said: "The Herdwick are very hardy and the landscape of the Lake District wouldn't be like it is today without them.

Independent

My Rabbi, the very forthright, wise, benevolent, Rabbi Alvin D. Rubin, always seemed, at least from my adolescent point of view, to be wondering if he had, somehow, lifetimes ago, taken a wrong turn out of the Sinai desert, finding himself, as he was, these days, shepherding a flock of polyester-wearing suburbanites way more interested in their golf game than the unpronounceable name of God.

Huffington Post

In "Smith's Gazelle" (Knopf, 1971), a Bedouin shepherd tends a flock of rare gazelles during the Six-Day War.

The New York Times - Arts

Like being the captain of a ship, or shepherd of a flock, there is skill and knowledge to be had.

Columbia University

He sat with both hands resting on the crook of his walking-stick, looking out from beneath boisterous, white eyebrows like a shepherd surveying a flock.

The Guardian - Books

"To live in a parish and be a kind of shepherd of a flock and guiding people every single day in a daily Mass, meeting them in the most important times of their life — in baptism, in their marriage, in their death — being with someone their entire life, and getting to know families and leading them to holiness and a life with Christ, that's what this is all about," he said.

The Washington Post

But he was more than a shepherd guiding a flock; he was the orchestra's sovereign he was the only one who literally knew the score, and the congregation read only their assigned lines.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "shepherd a flock" when you want to convey a sense of caring leadership or guidance, especially in situations where the group being led may be vulnerable or in need of protection.

Common error

Avoid using "shepherd a flock" too frequently, as it can sound cliché. Consider alternatives like "guide a group" or "mentor a team" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shepherd a flock" functions as a verb phrase with a metaphorical sense. It describes the act of guiding and protecting a group, drawing an analogy to the role of a shepherd tending to sheep. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

8%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shepherd a flock" is a metaphoric phrase used to describe leading and guiding a group with care and protection. Ludwig AI states that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While its frequency is rare, it appears mostly in news and media contexts. It conveys a sense of responsible leadership, emphasizing the well-being of those being led. When using this phrase, consider alternatives such as "guide a group" or "mentor a team" to avoid overuse. The phrase is appropriate in contexts where nurturing and protecting a group are central to the leadership role.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

guide a group

Focuses on direction, less on care or management.

lead a team

Emphasizes leadership, often in a professional setting.

manage a team

Focuses on administrative and organizational aspects.

mentor a group

Highlights guidance and personal development.

oversee operations

Stresses supervision and control, often in a business context.

supervise a project

Emphasizes direct oversight and accountability.

cultivate talent

Focuses on nurturing and developing individual skills.

nurture potential

Highlights the development of inherent abilities.

direct operations

Emphasizes giving instructions and managing resources.

steer a course

Focuses on setting a direction and maintaining it.

FAQs

How can I use "shepherd a flock" in a sentence?

You can use "shepherd a flock" to describe guiding or managing a group of people, often with a sense of care or protection. For example, "As a manager, it's important to shepherd a flock of diverse talents and help them grow together."

What does it mean to "shepherd a flock"?

To "shepherd a flock" means to guide, protect, and care for a group of people, similar to how a shepherd cares for their sheep. It implies a sense of responsibility and guidance.

Which is a better alternative to "shepherd a flock": "guide a group" or "manage a team"?

The better alternative depends on the context. "Guide a group" emphasizes direction and leadership, while "manage a team" focuses on administrative and organizational tasks. Choose the phrase that best reflects the specific role and responsibilities being described.

When is it appropriate to use the metaphor "shepherd a flock"?

It is appropriate to use the metaphor "shepherd a flock" when describing a leader who not only directs but also cares for and protects the group they lead. This is especially fitting in contexts involving vulnerable populations or where mentorship is key.