The expression “a fox in the stable” is derived from the fable “The Fox and the Stork” by Aesop. In the fable a fox invites a stork to dinner and serves him a soup in a shallow dish. When the stork tries to eat the soup he can’t because his long beak can’t reach the bottom of the dish. The fox eats the soup with ease. The stork feeling humiliated seeks revenge. He invites the fox to dinner and serves him a meal in a long-necked bottle. The fox can’t get his head into the bottle and goes away hungry. The moral of the story is “tit for tat” or “an eye for an eye.”
The expression “a fox in the stable” is used to describe someone who is not what they seem. The fox in the fable is cunning and deceptive. He pretend to be friendly to the stork but he’s really just trying to take advantage of him. Similarly a person who is “a fox in the stable” is not as innocent or trustworthy as they appear to be. They may be hiding their true intentions.
The expression can also be used more broadly to describe anyone who is out of place. For example you might say “that new guy is a real fox in the stable” to describe someone who is disruptive or doesn’t seem to fit in.
So the next time you come across someone who seems too good to be true beware! They may be a fox in the stable.
What does a fox in the stable represent?
The fox in the stable represent wisdom and cleverness.
What does the fox in the story teach the animals?
The fox in the story teaches the animals how to be cunning and clever.
How does the fox trick the animals?
The fox tricks the animals by acting like he is hurt and then running away when they get close to him.
What do the animals learn from the fox?
The animals learn that they need to be more cunning and clever in order to survive.
Why is the fox considered to be a representation of wisdom?
The fox is considered to be a representation of wisdom because he is able to outsmart the other animals.
What does the story teach us about wisdom?
The story teaches us that wisdom is something that can be used to outsmart others.
Is the fox a good or bad representation of wisdom?
The fox is a good representation of wisdom because he uses his cunning and cleverness to help the other animals.
Do you think the animals would have been better off if they never met the fox?
No the animals would not have been better off if they never met the fox because they would not have learned how to be cunning and clever.
What do you think the animals would have done if they never met the fox?
The animals would have continued to be outsmarted by other animals and would have eventually died off.
How do you think the animals feel about the fox after they learn from him?
The animals probably respect the fox for his wisdom and are grateful that he taught them how to be cunning and clever.
Would you consider the fox to be a good teacher?
Yes the fox is a good teacher because he is able to teach the animals how to be cunning and clever.
Do you think the animals would have been better off if they never learned from the fox?
No the animals would not have been better off if they never learned from the fox because they would have continued to be outsmarted by other animals and would have eventually died off.
What do you think the fox represents to the animals?
The fox represents wisdom and cleverness to the animals.
What do you think the fox represents to the reader?
The fox represents wisdom and cleverness to the reader.
What do you think the fox represents in general?
The fox represents wisdom and cleverness in general.
