separate the sheep from the goats Definition

sheep
noun sheep (plural)

1. Any of various wild or domesticated species of a herbivorous mammal with a stocky body covered with a thick woolly fleece, kept worldwide as a farm animal for its meat and wool.
2. A meek person, especially one who follows or obeys unquestioningly, like a sheep in a flock.
3. A member of a congregation, thought of as being looked after by the pastor.

Idiom: separate the sheep from the goats

To identify, especially by way of a test, the superior members of any group.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon sceap.