fox-earth

A fox returns to its fox-earth at dusk.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fox's burrow or den: "fox-earth" refers to the underground dwelling or burrow where a fox lives, typically consisting of a network of tunnels and chambers. This term is primarily used in British English.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The hunters searched the woods for the fox-earth, hoping to find the vixen and her cubs. (A fox's underground den.)
  • After a long chase, the fox disappeared into its fox-earth, safe from the hounds. (A fox's burrow used for shelter and protection.)

Advanced Usage

• "to go to earth": (related idiom) to retreat into a fox-earth; figuratively, to hide or take refuge.
  • The criminal went to earth in a remote cabin. (He hid himself away.)

Variants and Related Words

• Fox-burrow (n): an alternative term for "fox-earth," referring to the same type of underground den.
  • The fox-burrow was dug deep into the hillside. (The fox's underground home.)

Synonyms

• Den: a wild animal's hidden dwelling place.
• Burrow: a hole or tunnel dug by a small animal for shelter.
• Lair: a wild animal's resting place, often underground.

Related Idioms

• Fox in the henhouse: a situation where a dangerous or untrustworthy person is in a position of control or access.
  • The new manager was like a fox in the henhouse, causing chaos among the staff. (A disruptive and untrustworthy presence.)