hen-house
Noun: - A structure or enclosure where domestic chickens (especially hens) are kept, typically for shelter, laying eggs, or protection from predators.
- (The structure where hens live.)
- (The enclosure for poultry.)
"like a fox in a hen-house": a metaphor for a situation where a dangerous or predatory person or thing is placed among vulnerable targets.
- The new manager was like a fox in a hen-house, taking advantage of the staff's trust. (He exploited the vulnerable situation.)
"hen-house rules": informal, often humorous rules or regulations that are strict or protective, especially in a domestic or small-scale setting.
- The office had hen-house rules about leaving at exactly 5 p.m. (Very strict, protective regulations.)
Henhouse (n): alternative spelling of "hen-house" (often used as a single word).
- The henhouse was painted white to reflect heat. (Same meaning as hen-house.)
Hen (n): an adult female chicken.
- The hen laid an egg in the hen-house. (The female bird that uses the structure.)
- Chicken coop: a small shelter for chickens, often portable.
- Poultry house: a general term for a building where domestic fowl are kept.
- Roost: a place where birds rest or sleep, but can refer to the entire hen-house.
"a fox in the hen-house": a situation where a person or thing that causes trouble is in a position of trust or safety.
- Letting him handle the budget is like putting a fox in the hen-house. (He will cause harm or theft.)
"to rule the roost": to be the dominant person in a group, often in a hen-house context.
- The old rooster rules the roost in that hen-house. (He is the leader of the chickens.)