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.
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.' 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/
/fɑːks ɪn ðə ˈhɛnˌhaʊs/
Meaning & Usage
- Literal - a fox let loose among chickens
Clara:
The chickens are carryin’ on out back.
The chickens are carryin’ on out back.
Elmer:
Lord, must be a fox in the henhouse.
Lord, must be a fox in the henhouse.- Figurative - a harmful person given access
Estel:
You’re hirin’ him to guard the money?
You’re hirin’ him to guard the money?
Clara:
That’s like lettin’ a fox in the henhouse.
That’s like lettin’ a fox in the henhouse.variations: fox in the chicken coop, fox in the chicken house
Origin and Etymology
Also bad: a raccoon in the henhouse. Runner up: a snake (because they're steal your eggs).
Usage 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
Related Pages
How to Cite This Page
- APA (7th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, October 28). Fox in the Henhouse. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fox-in-the-henhouse
- MLA (9th edition)"The Hillbilly Dude." "Fox in the Henhouse." HillbillySlang.com, 28 Oct. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fox-in-the-henhouse.
- Chicago (17th edition)The Hillbilly Dude. "Fox in the Henhouse." HillbillySlang.com. October 28, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/fox-in-the-henhouse.
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Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more...