foil for

Frequency: 6.39.1 per million words

A contrast that highlights the qualities of another thing.

foilNOUN + PREPOSITION

Categories:

for

Examples (10)

  • The serious, pragmatic detective was a perfect foil for his eccentric and intuitive partner.
  • In the story, the villain's cruelty serves as a powerful foil for the hero's unwavering compassion.
  • The simple white plates provided a beautiful foil for the vibrant colors of the gourmet meal.
  • His quiet and thoughtful nature is a great foil for her energetic and talkative personality.
  • The dark, stormy sky became a dramatic foil for the single ray of sunlight breaking through.
  • The comedic sidekick often acts as a foil for the main character's more serious dilemmas.
  • Architects used the sleek glass structure as a modern foil for the historic stone building next to it.
  • The calm, logical approach of the new manager is an effective foil for the team's previous chaotic methods.
  • The tragic subplot provides a somber foil for the main plot's otherwise lighthearted tone.
  • The couple's opposite personalities made each partner an ideal foil for the other.