Lone wolf
Meaning: Someone who prefers to work or act alone; a solitary person.
A 'lone wolf' operates independently, preferring solitude to group activity. Can be admiring (independent) or concerning (isolated). In security contexts, 'lone wolf' describes individual attackers.
Examples
- He's a bit of a lone wolf. 他有点像独狼。Es un poco lobo solitario.彼はちょっと一匹狼だ。그는 좀 외톨이 스타일이다.
- She works best as a lone wolf. 她独自工作时表现最好。Trabaja mejor como loba solitaria.彼女は一匹狼として一番力を発揮する。그녀는 혼자 일할 때 가장 능력을 발휘한다.
- Lone wolf attackers are hard to predict. 独狼式袭击者很难预测。Los atacantes lobo solitario son difíciles de predecir.一匹狼の攻撃者は予測が難しい。단독범은 예측하기 어렵다.
Pronunciation
/ləʊn wʊlf/
Usage Guide
Context: independence, solitude, security
Tone: descriptive, sometimes concerning
✓ Do Say
- Lone wolf独狼lobo solitario一匹狼외톨이
- A lone wolf一匹独狼un lobo solitario一匹狼일匹늑대 같은 사람
Common Mistakes
- Security context is more serious than personal preference
Origin & History
From wolves that leave the pack to hunt alone. These wolves are rare, giving the phrase its sense of unusual independence. The security meaning emerged in the 21st century.
Etymology: From wolves that hunt alone, outside the pack
First recorded: Early 20th century
Cultural Context
Era: 20th century onwards
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Pop culture: Westerns; Security discourse
Regional notes: American origin, global usage.
Variations
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