cloven hoof: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Literary, Technical, Religious
Quick answer
What does “cloven hoof” mean?
A hoof that is divided into two distinct parts, characteristic of animals in the order Artiodactyla, such as goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A hoof that is divided into two distinct parts, characteristic of animals in the order Artiodactyla, such as goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs.
Used metaphorically to denote a hidden sign of evil, malevolence, or diabolical nature, often in the phrase "show the cloven hoof".
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The metaphorical use is equally literary/archaic in both varieties.
Connotations
The literal sense is neutral. The metaphorical sense carries strong negative, often religious or moralistic, connotations.
Frequency
Very low frequency in everyday language. The literal sense appears in farming, zoology, or religious dietary law contexts (e.g., Leviticus). The metaphorical sense is rare and stylistically marked.
Grammar
How to Use “cloven hoof” in a Sentence
[Subject] has a cloven hoof.[Subject] shows/reveals/betrays the cloven hoof.The cloven hoof of [abstract evil].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “cloven hoof” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The soil was cloven by the plough.
- The axe clove the log in two.
American English
- The soil was cloven by the plow.
- The axe cleaved the log in two.
adjective
British English
- The cloven-hoofed goat stood on the rocky outcrop.
- They studied cloven-footed mammals.
American English
- The cloven-hoofed goat stood on the rocky outcrop.
- They studied cloven-footed mammals.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Almost never used. Potentially metaphorical in very stylised critique: 'The predatory takeover bid finally showed its cloven hoof.'
Academic
Used in zoology, veterinary science, and religious studies. Literal in biology; metaphorical in literary criticism or theology.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be misunderstood or sound archaic.
Technical
Standard term in zoology and animal husbandry for the foot structure of even-toed ungulates.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cloven hoof”
- Misspelling as 'cloved hoof' or 'cloven foot'.
- Using the metaphor in inappropriate, casual contexts.
- Confusing 'cloven' (past participle of 'cleave') with 'clover'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Its literal use is standard in technical contexts (farming, zoology). Its metaphorical use is archaic and only found in literary or highly stylised language.
Animals in the order Artiodactyla, such as cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, deer, antelope, and giraffes.
It derives from traditional Christian iconography, where the Devil is depicted with goat-like features, including cloven hooves, symbolising his beastly and evil nature.
Yes, 'cloven foot' is a less common variant with identical meanings, both literal and metaphorical.
A hoof that is divided into two distinct parts, characteristic of animals in the order Artiodactyla, such as goats, sheep, cattle, and pigs.
Cloven hoof is usually formal, literary, technical, religious in register.
Cloven hoof: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkləʊ.vən ˈhuːf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkloʊ.vən ˈhʊf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Show the cloven hoof / foot (to reveal one's evil intentions or nature).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: CLOVEN sounds like 'CLOVE' (a spice often split in two) + HOOF. A hoof cloven (cleft) in two.
Conceptual Metaphor
EVIL IS A BEAST / HIDDEN NATURE IS A PHYSICAL DEFORMITY. The devil's animalistic feature represents inherent evil; its revelation is the unmasking of true character.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary metaphorical meaning of 'show the cloven hoof'?