Here's a breakdown:
* Wolves: Known for their ferocious and rapid eating habits. They often devour their prey whole or in large chunks.
* Down: This word emphasizes the speed and intensity of the action.
* Combining the two: The phrase captures the act of eating something quickly and with little regard for manners or enjoyment, just like a wolf would consume its prey.
The idiom likely emerged in the English language sometime in the 19th century. It's been used in both formal and informal contexts to describe eating rapidly and with little savoring of the food.