foil

Universal Words 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.