What does the phrase ''to run with wolves'' mean?

Answer 1

I've heard quite a few different expressions / meanings for this proverb, here are some of them:-

1. "Trying to support two opposing causes/aims at the same time-clearly very difficult or impossible"

2. "Play them off against each other"-but the hare/hounds metaphor illustrates the difficulty in succeeding with such an enterprise.

3. "is the deceitful behaviour of one who fights of one who fights on one side and gives secret help to the other side" - Terms for these traitors to the cause are "double-dealers" and "double-crossers"

American equivalants i've heard are:-

4. "Working both sides of the street"

5. "Playing both sides against the middle"

A very old saying, dating back to the fifteenth century, is:-

6. "'Thou hast a crooked tongue, holding with the hound and running with the hare" - Invariably these tricksters are found out; they should be loyal to one side or the other.

Other proverbs / phrases that have a similar meaning are:-

"Don't stay out with the owls all night if you expect to soar with the eagles in the morning"

"You cannot", they say, "Side with the cow and the clover"

Hope this helps

Answer 2

Traditionally, wolves are seen as wild creatures, lawless and rough. Running with the wolves would mean you're being lawless and wild. This isn't a typical English idiom, though, so you probably shouldn't use it unless you're certain of the meaning - ask whoever said it to you what they meant.

Answer 3

Usually someone who supports both parties, or wants to be liked by everyone. Often viewed as untrustworthy as they pass information on from camp to camp.

Answer 4

It could be from referring to the book "women who run with the wolves"