Fox in the henhouse Meaning in English
expression
Definition
This expression refers to placing someone untrustworthy or dangerous in a situation where they can easily cause harm, especially when given access or responsibility they might abuse.
Usage & Nuances
Used metaphorically, not literally. Common in business, politics, or security contexts. Implies a bad idea—giving power or access to someone who is likely to abuse it. Sometimes shortened: 'put a fox in charge of the henhouse.' Watch for confusion with literal animal references; here, it's always figurative.
Example Sentences
Making him treasurer was like putting a fox in the henhouse.
basic
Leaving the money with him is a fox in the henhouse situation.
basic
Hiring someone with a criminal record to manage security is like a fox in the henhouse.
basic
Putting a corrupt official in charge of the funds? That's a total fox in the henhouse move.
natural
When he joined the team, it felt like having a fox in the henhouse—nobody trusted him from day one.
natural
You don’t want to let the IT guy with a hacking history near your passwords—that’s inviting the fox in the henhouse.
natural