white sheep

Học thuật
Thân thiện
white sheep

A white sheep stands on a rocky hillside under a clear blue sky.

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A large, wild sheep with white fur, native to northwestern Canada and Alaska: This is the primary zoological definition, referring to a specific subspecies of wild sheep, also known as the Dall sheep or thinhorn sheep (Ovis dalli). Its most distinguishing feature is its all-white coat.
    • A person regarded as good or respectable in contrast to other members of a group, especially a family: This is a common figurative and idiomatic usage. It describes an individual who is considered virtuous, successful, or conventional compared to other members who are seen as disreputable, problematic, or unconventional.
Usage Examples

  • Noun (Zoological):

    • We spotted a herd of white sheep on the mountain slopes.
    • The white sheep is well-adapted to its alpine habitat.

  • Noun (Figurative/Idiomatic):

    • In a family of rebels, she was always considered the white sheep.
    • Among his troublemaking friends, John was the white sheep who stayed out of trouble.
Advanced Usage
  • "the white sheep of the family": This is the most common idiomatic structure, directly contrasting with the more famous idiom "the black sheep of the family." It emphasizes the individual's role as the exception to a perceived norm of bad behavior.
    • While his brothers were in and out of jail, Michael was the white sheep of the family, becoming a respected doctor.
Variants and Related Words

  • Black sheep (n): The much more common counterpart idiom, meaning a person who is considered a disgrace or failure by their family or group.

    • His criminal record made him the black sheep of the family.

  • Dall sheep (n): The specific zoological name for the white sheep of northwestern North America.

  • Thinhorn sheep (n): Another name for the same species ().
Synonyms
  • The good one (idiomatic): A simple phrase for the figurative meaning.
  • The respectable one (idiomatic): Highlights the aspect of social standing.
  • Dall sheep (zoological): The precise synonym for the animal.
Related Idioms
  • The black sheep of the family: An idiom for a person who brings shame or is considered the odd one out in a family or group. This is the direct and far more frequent antonym of the figurative use of "white sheep."
    • He was the black sheep, never fitting in with his academic family.
white sheep

A white sheep stands on a rocky hillside under a clear blue sky.

Noun
  1. large white wild sheep of northwestern Canada and Alaska

Từ đồng nghĩa