stray sheep; lost sheep
A set phrase, often used metaphorically for a person who has lost their way in life or morally. Originates from the biblical parable of the lost sheep.
He had lost sight of his purpose in life, like a stray sheep.
The church carries out activities to save lost sheep.
A set phrase from the biblical parable of the lost sheep (Luke 15:3–7). The Japanese form 迷える羊 uses the classical attributive form 迷える of the verb 迷う, meaning 'straying' or 'lost'.