Sort out/separate the sheep from the goats

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verb phrase

To separate or distinguish between two groups or types of people or things.

When applying for a job, the interviews help to sort out the sheep from the goats.
Visual representation of "sort out/separate the sheep from the goats" - To separate or distinguish between two groups or types of people or things

Often appears as...

  • sort out the sheep from the goats in a group
  • the interview process sorts out the sheep from the goats

Usage tips

Formal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "sort out/separate the sheep from the goats"
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Biblical Origin

The phrase has a biblical origin, referring to judgement, where 'sheep' represent the righteous and 'goats' the less desirable.

Illustration for Biblical Origin
At the charity audition, they needed to sort out the sheep from the goats to find committed volunteers.
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Metaphoric Meaning

Used metaphorically, it doesn't involve real sheep or goats. It's about judging the quality or suitability of people or things.

Illustration for Metaphoric Meaning
The quiz competition will sort out the sheep from the goats among the students.
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Common Confusions

Avoid confusing this phrase with literal animal sorting. In speech, emphasis on 'sort out' clarifies you mean figuratively.

Illustration for Common Confusions
It can be a challenge to sort out the sheep from the goats when looking at online reviews.
Visual representation of the word "Sort out/separate the sheep from the goats"

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