“Crazy like a fox” is an idiomatic expression meaning “cleverly cunning and resourceful”. The phrase is often used to describe someone who appears to be acting erratically or impulsively but who is actually acting with a clear purpose or goal in mind.
The phrase is of unknown origin but it is often attributed to the early 20th century American writer and humorist Bert Fitzsimmons. In his column “Fitzsimmons Says” which was published in newspapers across the country Fitzsimmons would often use the phrase to describe people or animals who were acting in a seemingly strange or random way but who were actually using their intelligence to achieve a specific goal.
The phrase has been used by a number of famous people including the American president Theodore Roosevelt who once said “I can act crazier than any of them and get away with it. I’m the President and they’re not” and the British Prime Minister Winston Churchill who is reported to have said “Mad dogs sometimes turn into clever foxes.”
In recent years the phrase has been used to describe a wide range of people from politicians to business leaders to celebrities. It has also been used as the title of a number of books including a memoir by the American journalist Fox Butterfield and a novel by the British author Kate Fox.
What does it mean when someone is “crazy like a fox?
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It means that the person is smart and cunning.
Where does the phrase “crazy like a fox” come from?
It is thought to come from a play by Shakespeare called King Lear.
Is the phrase “crazy like a fox” always used in a positive way?
No sometimes it is used to describe someone who is acting foolishly.
Can you give me an example of how the phrase “crazy like a fox” might be used?
Sure.
For example you might say “He’s been acting really strange lately but I think he’s just being crazy like a fox.
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What does it mean when someone is “as cunning as a fox?
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It means the same thing as “crazy like a fox.
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Where does the phrase “cunning as a fox” come from?
Like the phrase “crazy like a fox” it is thought to come from Shakespeare’s play King Lear.
Is the phrase “cunning as a fox” always used in a positive way?
No sometimes it is used to describe someone who is acting in a sneaky or deceitful manner.
Can you give me an example of how the phrase “cunning as a fox” might be used?
Sure.
For example you might say “She’s been acting really sweet recently but I think she’s just being cunning as a fox.
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What does it mean when someone is “sly as a fox?
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It means the same thing as “crazy like a fox” and “cunning as a fox.
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Where does the phrase “sly as a fox” come from?
It is thought to come from a medieval French fable.
Is the phrase “sly as a fox” always used in a positive way?
No sometimes it is used to describe someone who is acting in a sneaky or deceitful manner.
Can you give me an example of how the phrase “sly as a fox” might be used?
Sure.
For example you might say “He’s been acting really friendly lately but I think he’s just being sly as a fox.
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What does it mean when someone is “foxy?
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It means the same thing as “crazy like a fox” “cunning as a fox” and “sly as a fox.
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Where does the word “foxy” come from?
It comes from the Old English word “fox” which means “cunning.
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Is the word “foxy” always used in a positive way?
No sometimes it is used to describe someone who is acting in a sneaky or deceitful manner.
