fox guarding the henhouse
Predator protecting prey
A fox guarding the henhouse describes putting someone in charge of protecting something they have every incentive to exploit or destroy.
The image is of a predator assigned to watch over its natural prey.
The phrase criticizes conflicts of interest, especially in institutional contexts: Letting the industry write its own regulations is like having the fox guard the henhouse.
- wolf in sheep's clothingConcealed threat appearing innocent
- contradictionOpposing claims, incompatible together
- mismatchIncompatible combination
- putting the cat among the pigeonsDeliberately causing controversy
- self-dealingMisusing fiduciary position
inappropriate · hens · security · custodian · unethical · protector · cronyism · overseer · insider trading · inside job · conflict of interest · undue influence · moral hazard · exploitation · duplicity · double dealing · bad faith · nepotism
fox guarding the henhousewatchdog
Guard or monitor
good shepherd · checks and balances · protective custody · guardian angel · faithful servant
fox guarding the henhouseimpartiality
Freedom from prejudice
transparency · recusal · Chinese wall · objectivity · incorruptibility
fox guarding the henhousedue diligence
Pre-transaction reasonable care
best practices · failsafe · belt and suspenders · Chinese wall · recusal
henhouse, foxing, guards, guarded, guarding, guardian, guardianship, houses, housed