foil

Definition

  • verb: to prevent (someone) from doing something or achieving a goal
  • verb: to prevent from attaining an end
  • usually + 'for' or 'to'
  • synonyms: defeat, trample, roscius

Examples

  • He acted as a 'foil for' the comedian. [=he acted very serious to make the comedian seem funnier]

  • His reserved manner was a perfect 'foil for/to' her bubbly personality.

  • That dark blue dress is good 'foil for' her blonde hair.

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) events, a superhero is being sued for saving someone who, apparently, didn't want to be saved. The plaintiff, Oliver Sansweet, who was foiled in his attempted suicide by Mr. Incredible, has filed suit against the famed superhero in Superior Court. Mr. Sansweet didn't ask to be saved. (..)
    2004 The Incredibles
  • (..) - You are Bolt. - But I'm not... Who single handedly destroyed the green-eyed man's under sea labs? Me, but... And who foiled his plan to infiltrate the Olympics with nastic cyborgs? - Who, Bolt, who? Who? - Me, but none of them... You! You can, Bolt. Because, all over this planet... (..)
    2008 Bolt
  • (..) easier for us to enter the Jedi temple it will be. R, stay with the ship. Welcome, Lord Vader. We’ve been expecting you. PALPATINE: And the Jedi rebellion has been foiled. - What’s happened? - The chancellor’s been elaborating... on a plot by the Jedi to overthrow the senate. The remaining Jedii (..)
    2005 Star Wars: Episode III - Revenge of the Sith