When we say that doing something is like letting a “fox in the henhouse,” we are referring to an action that creates a significant threat or danger by placing a potential risk in a position of trust or access to something it is likely to harm.
The phrase comes from the literal image of a fox, a natural predator, being inside a henhouse, where it could easily prey on the chickens.
It is often used as a warning about poor judgment or the risks of placing the wrong person in a sensitive or vulnerable position.
The phrase has been linked to earlier expressions such as “the fox guarding the henhouse,” which has been documented since at least the late 16th century. One notable reference is from the 1589 work The Contre-League, which states, “he is a wolfe to keep the sheep, and a foxe to looke to the hennes.”
Sentence Examples
- Allowing the corrupt politician to oversee the anti-corruption committee is like letting a fox in the henhouse.
- Hiring someone with a history of hacking to manage cybersecurity feels like putting a fox in the henhouse.
- The board realized too late that appointing the rival CEO as a consultant was akin to inviting a fox in the henhouse.
- Leaving the shop unlocked overnight in a high-crime area is no different than having a fox in the henhouse.
- She warned them that trusting their competitor with sensitive product designs was like having a fox in the henhouse.
Fox In the Henhouse Synonyms
You can also use the following phrases to warn against poor judgment or the risks of placing the wrong person in a sensitive or vulnerable position:
- Wolf in sheep’s clothing – Someone or something dangerous disguised as harmless or trustworthy.
- Setting the cat among the pigeons – Doing something likely to cause trouble or panic.
- A Trojan horse – Something seemingly benign that conceals a hidden danger.
- The snake in the grass – A deceitful or treacherous person hiding their true intentions.
- Letting the wolf guard the sheep – Putting someone untrustworthy in a position of power or responsibility.
Fox In the Henhouse Quotes
If you want to incorporate the phrase “Fox in the Henhouse” into your social media posts and captions, here are a few creative ways to do so—whether you’re aiming for a motivational, humorous, relatable, or seasonal vibe.
Motivational:
- “Trust is earned, not given. Don’t make the mistake of putting a fox in the henhouse when it comes to your dreams.”
- Trust your instincts—sometimes a friendly face is just a fox in the henhouse, waiting for the right moment to strike.
- “Sometimes, the greatest risks aren’t the ones we take, but the ones we let in—like a fox in the henhouse.”
Funny:
- “Inviting a fox in the henhouse? Sure. But maybe not to guard the chicken coop.
- “That moment when your coworker with zero experience gets put in charge of the project… definitely a fox in the henhouse situation.
- “Like putting a fox in the henhouse… but I’m the one who ended up with the egg on my face.
Relatable:
- “Ever had that feeling when someone totally unqualified gets the job? Yep, it’s like letting a fox in the henhouse.”
- “Trust is tricky. Just because someone says they’ll protect your peace doesn’t mean they won’t turn into a fox in the henhouse.”
- “Putting the wrong person in charge is like sending your most trusted dog into a cat fight. Yep, it’s a fox in the henhouse situation.”
Seasonal:
- “As the leaves fall, beware of the fox in the henhouse hiding in your holiday plans.
- “Tis the season for giving… but don’t be fooled by the fox in the henhouse at your holiday table.
- “The only thing more dangerous than a winter storm? A fox in the henhouse when you’re trying to keep the peace this season.