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Fox in the Henhouse

"Fox in the henhouse" comes from Southern and Appalachian farm life, where a fox loose in a chicken coop meant disaster. Figuratively, it describes a dangerous or dishonest person being given access where they can cause harm.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Animals   #Southern   #FarmTalk

synonyms: danger inside, wolf in sheep’s clothing, betrayal from within
Hillbilly Dude Says...
Ain't nobody lettin' a 'fox in the henhouse' around here. This always makes me think of the song, 'Ain't Nobody Here But Us Chickens.' 

Pronunciation

[fawks in thuh HEN-hows] /fɑːks ɪn ðə ˈhɛnˌhaʊs/

Meaning & Usage

- Literal - a fox let loose among chickens

Clara:
The chickens are carryin’ on out back.
Elmer:
Lord, must be a fox in the henhouse.

- Figurative - a harmful person given access

Estel:
You’re hirin’ him to guard the money?
Clara:
That’s like lettin’ a fox in the henhouse.
variations: fox in the chicken coop, fox in the chicken house

Origin

Drawn from literal farm life in the rural South and Appalachia, where foxes were a real threat to chickens. The vivid image naturally spread into figurative use: letting a predator guard prey. While now widely used in politics, business, and media, its roots lie in everyday Southern farm talk.

Notes

  • Originated in rural Southern/Appalachian farm speech.
  • Now common across American English as a metaphor for betrayal or danger from inside.
  • Related imagery: wolf in sheep’s clothing, guarding the henhouse.

Kin Topics

Kin Words, Stories and More

Common Questions

What does "fox in the henhouse" mean?
Literally, a fox among chickens; figuratively, a dangerous person given access where they can cause harm.
Is this only Southern?
No - while it comes from Southern/Appalachian farm life, it’s now widely used in American English.
What’s the difference between "fox in the henhouse" and "guarding the henhouse"?
Both warn of danger from within. "Fox in the henhouse" means a predator is already inside. "Guarding the henhouse" often implies the wrong person is in charge.
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