renard

In a sentence

• Le renard roux vit dans les bois.

  The red fox lives in the woods.

  Here, 'renard' is used as a noun referring to the animal 'fox' in general.

• Cet homme est rusé comme un renard.

  This man is as cunning as a fox.

  Here, 'renard' is used metaphorically to describe someone who is clever and sly, as the fox is often associated with such qualities.

• J'ai vu un renard traverser la route hier soir.

  I saw a fox crossing the road last night.

  Here, 'renard' is used again as a noun, but this time referring to a specific fox observed in a situation.