noun, verb
noun (BrE also silver foil)
1 [U] metal made into very thin sheets that is used for covering or wrapping things, especially food: (BrE) aluminium foil * (AmE) aluminum foil * Cover the fish loosely with foil and bake for 30 minutes.
seealsoTINFOIL
2 [U] paper that is covered in very thin sheets of metal:
The chocolates are individually wrapped in gold and silver foil.
3 [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 brightly coloured furniture. * His mellow guitar technique is the ideal foil for her soaring voice.
4 [C] a long thin light SWORD used in the sport of FENCING
verb [VN] [oftenpassive] (written) to stop sth from happening, especially sth illegal; to prevent sb from doing sth
SYNTHWART:
to foil a plan / crime / plot * Customs officials foiled an attempt to smuggle priceless paintings out of the country. * They were foiled in their attempt to smuggle priceless paintings.
