fox in the henhouse: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘fox in the henhouse’ mean?
The idiom "fox in the henhouse" refers to a person or thing that poses a threat or danger by infiltrating a group or situation where they are not welcome or trusted.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "jive turkey" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is not trustworthy or who speaks insincerely.
The idiom "in the crosshairs" means to be the target of attention, criticism, or potential harm.
The idiom "inside job" refers to a crime or wrongdoing that is committed by someone within an organization or group, often involving betrayal of trust or abuse of power.
The idiom "hold with the hare and run with the hounds" means to support or be loyal to two opposing factions, causes, or groups. It suggests being deceitful or indecisive by trying to please both sides.
The idiom "herd cats" means to attempt to control or coordinate a group of people or things that are unruly or difficult to manage. It implies that the task is extremely challenging and likely to meet with limited success.
The idiom "goose is cooked" means that a person or situation is in a dire or hopeless position, with no chance of escape or success.
The idiom "get into trouble" means to find oneself in a difficult or dangerous situation due to one's actions or decisions.
The idiom "fox's socks" is an expression used to describe an unexpected or surprising turn of events. It suggests that something unusual or out of the ordinary has happened, similar to a fox wearing socks, which is unexpected and surprising.
The idiom "fox sleep" refers to a false sense of security or being naive. It originates from the habit of foxes to feign sleep, deceiving their prey. The idiom implies the danger of underestimating someone or something.
The idiom "flutter in the dovecote" means to cause a stir or create excitement and unrest among a group of people or in a particular situation.
Infiltrating Disarray
The idiom "fox in the henhouse" is a commonly used phrase in American English. It is used to describe a situation where someone untrustworthy or dangerous is in a position of power or authority. The literal meaning of the idiom refers to a fox entering a henhouse and attacking the hens.
The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the traditional role of a fox as a predator who would enter a henhouse to kill and steal the chickens. The fox is seen as cunning and dangerous, symbolizing deceit and betrayal. The henhouse represents a place of vulnerability and trust, where the hens are usually safe and protected. When a fox enters the henhouse, it disrupts this sense of security and poses a significant threat.
In its figurative usage, the idiom "fox in the henhouse" is often used to describe situations involving deceit, treachery, or the infiltration of a harmful individual into a vulnerable group. It can be applied to political scenarios, business dealings, or any situation where someone with ulterior motives gains access to and undermines a system or group.
The phrase is frequently found in political discourse, where it is used to criticize the presence of potentially dangerous or corrupt individuals within a government or organization. It highlights the risks of allowing someone who cannot be trusted to hold a position of power. The idiom acts as a cautionary reminder to be vigilant and aware of the potential harm that can come from allowing deceitful or destructive individuals into positions of authority.
The idiom "flutter in the dovecote" is related to the concept of a "fox in the henhouse." It shares the same idea of disruption and danger. In this case, the idiom refers to someone or something causing a disturbance or commotion in a peaceful or stable environment. The phrase "flutter in the dovecote" conjures images of birds frantically flying about in their home, disturbed by an intruder or unsettling event.
Similarly, the idiom "fish in troubled waters" is also related to the theme of disruption. It suggests that someone is taking advantage of a chaotic or troubled situation for their own benefit. The idiom paints a picture of a fish swimming effortlessly in turbulent waters, seemingly unaffected or even benefiting from the chaos around them.
Overall, the idiom "fox in the henhouse" serves as a metaphorical representation of vulnerability, betrayal, and the potential dangers of misplaced trust. Its usage in various contexts underscores the importance of being aware of those who may seek to exploit or harm others, particularly within positions of power or influence. While the phrase highlights these concerns, it also reminds us that there are ways to protect ourselves and our institutions from those who would seek to undermine them.
Example usage
Examples:
- He was appointed as the CEO of the company, but soon it became clear that he was a fox in the henhouse, using his power to manipulate and take advantage of others.
- The politician promised to fight for the rights of the working class, but his actions showed he was just another fox in the henhouse, serving the interests of the wealthy elite.
- When the new teacher came into the classroom and started berating the students, they immediately sensed a fox in the henhouse and knew they were in for a difficult semester.
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