fox
fox — noun
1. a wild animal with a long narrow face, tall pointed ears, and a thick furry tail
a wild animal with a long narrow face, tall pointed ears, and a thick furry tail, that hunts smaller creatures and is often presented as clever in stories
A fox crossed the garden path just before dawn yesterday.
Faisal spotted a young fox near the old wooden shed behind the house.
subject-verb-object with animal as object
The fox crept through the tall grass to chase the mouse.
Children love the story of the clever fox and the foolish crow.
In winter, a fox grows a thicker coat to stay warm in the snow.
文法句型
a fox
the fox
fox + singular/plural verb
用法筆記
Usually 'fox' refers to the red fox, the most common species, but the word can also describe related species such as the grey fox or arctic fox.
2. the thick soft coat taken from foxes, used as material for making clothing such
the thick soft coat taken from foxes, used as material for making clothing such as coats, hats, or collars
The old coat was lined with fox fur around the collar.
collocation: lined with fox fur
Gabriel refused to buy the winter hat because it used real fox fur.
Many shoppers today choose fake fur over real fox fur for ethical reasons.
The museum displayed a traditional coat decorated with strips of fox fur.
- vixen fur
more specific — fur from a female fox; very rare term
文法句型
fox fur + noun
made of fox fur
fox-fur + noun
用法筆記
Often replaced by 'faux fur' or synthetic materials in modern clothing. The trade of real fox fur has declined due to animal welfare concerns.
常見錯誤
3. a person who uses cleverness and trickery to achieve their aims or to do better
a person who uses cleverness and trickery to achieve their aims or to do better than others
That old lawyer is a real fox when it comes to negotiating contracts.
collocation: a real fox
Xiu knew she had to be a clever fox to win the business deal from her rivals.
In the tense negotiation, Andrés proved himself a sly fox who never showed his hand.
Baraka called his opponent a wily fox who could twist any argument around.
- honest person
someone who tells the truth and does not deceive
文法句型
a fox
the fox
a sly fox
a wily fox
用法筆記
Often paired with adjectives such as 'sly', 'wily', or 'old' (e.g. 'a sly old fox'). The tone can be admiring of the person's cleverness or critical of their dishonesty, depending on context.
常見錯誤
4. a young woman who is very physically attractive, sometimes used in a way that su
a young woman who is very physically attractive, sometimes used in a way that suggests she is also exciting or alluring
The novel from the 1950s described the main character as a young fox with a sharp wit.
dated usage from mid-20th century fiction
In old Hollywood films, the term fox was sometimes used for a beautiful leading lady.
Quan read a magazine from the 1960s where a singer was called a fox by the reporter.
Élise rolled her eyes when the movie script called the female lead a fox.
文法句型
a fox
a young fox
用法筆記
This sense is considered dated and may be seen as objectifying or sexist. It appears mainly in older books, films, and songs rather than in everyday modern speech. In contemporary English, using 'fox' for a woman can be insulting, and learners should be cautious with it.
常見錯誤
❌ Using this term to compliment someone in modern conversation — most women find it outdated or offensive.
fox — verb
1. to confuse or puzzle someone so thoroughly that they cannot understand what is h
to confuse or puzzle someone so thoroughly that they cannot understand what is happening or find a solution
The complicated instructions completely foxed the new students in the science lab.
Ziad was completely foxed by the final question on the maths exam.
passive: be foxed by [something]
The crossword puzzle in the newspaper foxed Christopher for almost an hour.
This riddle has foxed everyone who has tried to solve it so far.
- clarify
to make something clear and understandable
文法句型
fox + noun phrase
be foxed by + noun phrase
用法筆記
Primarily British English. In American English, 'stump' or 'baffle' are more common for the same meaning. The passive form ('be foxed by') is very frequent.
常見錯誤
2. to outsmart or trick someone by using quick thinking, clever methods, or a well-
to outsmart or trick someone by using quick thinking, clever methods, or a well-planned strategy
The con artist foxed the elderly couple with a fake investment offer.
Nellie foxed her opponents by pretending to move left then turning right at the last second.
fox + by + gerund phrase showing method
The clever criminal foxed the police into following a false trail.
The security guards were completely foxed by Sophia and her clever disguise.
- be fooled by
to be the person who is tricked rather than the one doing the tricking
文法句型
fox + noun phrase
用法筆記
Like verb sense 1, this is chiefly British. It suggests a combination of cleverness and deception, often with a playful or admiring tone. In American English, 'outfox', 'outsmart', or 'outwit' are far more common than 'fox' as a verb.