Harmless as a dove
Meaning
Extremely gentle, innocent, and unlikely to cause any harm.
Origin
For millennia, the gentle cooing and soft flight of the dove have made it a universal emblem of peace and innocence, its image appearing in ancient myths and sacred texts across cultures. However, the exact phrasing of 'harmless as a dove' finds its direct root in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, chapter 10, verse 16, Jesus instructs his disciples, sending them out into a dangerous world: 'Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.' This powerful admonition perfectly captured the bird's inherent gentleness and non-threatening nature, cementing the phrase in our language as the ultimate descriptor for something utterly benign.
Examples
- Despite his imposing size, the new security guard turned out to be harmless as a dove, always smiling and ready to help.
- Don't worry about the stray cat; it's harmless as a dove and just wants some food and a warm place to rest.