/fɔɪl/
foil
BrE /fɔɪl/
NAmE /fɔɪl/
(BrE also ˌsilver ˈfoil) [U]
metal made into very thin sheets that is used for covering or wrapping things, especially food
(BrE) aluminium foil
(NAmE) aluminum foil
➡ see also tinfoil
[U]
paper that is covered in very thin sheets of metal
The chocolates are individually wrapped in gold foil.
[C]
~ (for sb/sth)
a person or thing that contrasts with, and therefore emphasizes, the qualities of another person or thing
The pale walls provide a perfect foil for the furniture.
[C]
a long thin light sword used in the sport of fencing
foil
BrE /fɔɪl/
NAmE /fɔɪl/
[often passive]
to stop sth from happening, especially sth illegal; to prevent sb from doing sth
SYN thwart
~ sth
to foil a plan/crime/plot
Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle the paintings out of the country.
~ sb (in sth)
They were foiled in their attempt to smuggle the paintings.