A fox is a wild animal that looks somewhat like a small dog, with pointed ears, a long bushy tail, and a narrow snout. Foxes are known for being clever and adaptable. They live on every continent except Antarctica, finding homes in forests, grasslands, mountains, and even cities. Red foxes, the most common type, have rusty-orange fur and black legs, though foxes also come in gray, white, and other colors.

Foxes hunt small animals like mice, rabbits, and birds, but they'll eat almost anything: fruit, insects, even food from garbage cans in cities. They're mostly active at night, and they're famous for being sneaky and smart. A fox can slip into a henhouse, grab a chicken, and disappear before anyone notices.

Because of this reputation for cleverness, people often use “fox” to describe someone who's crafty and intelligent. If your friend figures out a tricky puzzle through clever thinking, you might say they're as clever as a fox. When someone outsmarts others through sneaky but non-malicious tactics, they might be called foxy. In old fables like Aesop's tales, foxes often play the role of the clever trickster who uses brains instead of strength.