foxes in the henhouse
Wolves guarding sheep
Foxes in the henhouse describes a situation where someone dangerous or untrustworthy has been given access to what they're likely to exploit or destroy.
The image is of a predator among defenseless prey: Appointing a former oil lobbyist to run the EPA is putting foxes in the henhouse.
Often used to criticize regulators drawn from the industries they're meant to oversee.
- wolf in sheep's clothingConcealed threat appearing innocent
- treacheryDeliberate violation of trust
- corruptionDishonest abuse of power
- preyAnimal being hunted
- Trojan horseConcealed threat within welcome package
inside job · predator · snake in the grass · manipulation · cunning · backstabbing · selling out · fraud · nepotism · betrayal · conflict of interest · cronyism · exploitation · sabotage · opportunism · insider threat · double agent · duplicity
foxes in the henhousegood shepherd
Protective guide of dependents
watchdog · guardian angel · safe pair of hands · loyal steward · in good hands
foxes in the henhouserecusal
Withdrawal for bias concerns
honest broker · separation of powers · fiduciary duty · transparency · above board
foxes, foxlike, foxhole, henhouse, house, houses, housed, housing, householder