foil

word

Definition

A thin sheet of metal, usually aluminum, used for wrapping or cooking; also, to prevent something from succeeding; or in literature, a character who contrasts with another to highlight traits.

Usage & Nuances

"Foil" as a noun most commonly means aluminum foil for food or fencing swords. As a verb, it means to block or prevent success (often plans or crimes). In literature, "foil" refers to a contrasting character. Don't confuse noun and verb uses; context will help.

Spanish: papel de aluminio - frustrar (plan) - contraposición (personaje literario)Portuguese (BR): papel alumínio - frustrar (um plano) - contraponto (personagem literário)Portuguese (PT): papel de alumínio - frustrar (um plano) - contraponto (personagem literário)Chinese (Simplified): 锡纸 - 挫败（计划）- 衬托（文学角色）Chinese (Traditional): 錫紙 - 挫敗（計劃）- 襯托（文學角色）Hindi: एल्यूमिनियम फॉयल - विफल करना (योजना) - प्रतिद्वंदी (साहित्यिक चरित्र)Arabic: ورق ألومنيوم - إحباط (خطة) - شخصية مضادة (أدب)Bengali: ফয়েল (ধাতব পাত) - ব্যর্থ করা - প্রতিপক্ষ চরিত্র (সাহিত্যে)Russian: фольга - сорвать (планы) - противоположный персонаж (в литературе)Japanese: ホイル（薄い金属シート） - 阻止する - 対照的なキャラクター（文学用語）Vietnamese: giấy bạc - làm thất bại - nhân vật đối lập (trong văn học)Korean: 포일(얇은 금속 시트) - 저지하다 - 대비되는 인물(문학)Turkish: folyo - engellemek - zıt karakter (edebiyatta)Urdu: فوائل (پتلا دھات کا ورق) - ناکام بنانا - متضاد کردار (ادب میں)Indonesian: foi alumunium - menggagalkan - tokoh pembanding (dalam sastra)

Example Sentences

The police managed to foil the robbery.

basic

In the story, the hero's best friend is his foil.

basic

Do we have any foil left for the barbecue?

natural

Quick thinking helped her foil their plans at the last minute.

natural

Please wrap the food in foil before putting it in the oven.

basic

In comedy shows, there's often a character who acts as a perfect foil to the main comedian.

natural