foxes guarding the henhouse
Predators protecting prey
A situation where those responsible for protecting something have interests that conflict with that duty—like assigning predators to guard prey.
The phrase describes institutional corruption or poor oversight: Letting oil companies write environmental regulations is foxes guarding the henhouse.
Often shortened to fox in the henhouse when the conflict of interest is already apparent.
- wolf in sheep's clothingConcealed threat appearing innocent
- self-dealingMisusing fiduciary position
- nepotismPreferring kin in hiring
- cronyismFavoring friends in appointments
- backdoor dealsSecret negotiations bypassing transparency
sweetheart deal · exploitation · abuse of power · quid pro quo · manipulation · stewardship · insider trading · inside job · corruption · governance · deceit · bias · coercion · accountability · favoritism · ethical breach · trusteeship · betrayal
foxes guarding the henhousewatchdog
Guard or monitor
honest broker · good shepherd · checks and balances · separation of powers · fiduciary
foxes guarding the henhousedue diligence
Pre-transaction reasonable care
best practices · fail-safe mechanism · belt and suspenders · vetting process
foxing, foxhole, guards, guarded, guarding, guardian, guardians, guardianship, unguarded