# fox in the henhouse

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fox-in-the-henhouse
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Someone untrustworthy placed in a position of trust in which they will be harmful, damaging or detrimental for their own personal gain.

## Examples

- Putting him in charge is like putting a fox in the henhouse.
- Hiring a known thief to count the money is a fox in the henhouse.
- You have a fox in the henhouse if your lawyer works for the enemy.
- The company hired a consultant known for closing factories, which felt like putting a fox in the henhouse.
- Giving the office gossip access to everyone's private files is definitely letting a fox in the henhouse.
- The team feels there is a fox in the henhouse now that their main competitor's brother is the new manager.
- By appointing the corrupt official to oversee the ethics committee, the government effectively placed a fox in the henhouse.

## Origin

From the predatory habit of the fox, which requires only the briefest lapse in security to consume the inhabitants of a poultry shed. The metaphor relies upon the natural inclination of the animal to seize the opportunity provided by proximity to its prey.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.