Reading Theme:
Foil Definition: Metal Sheet & Prevent Success Explained (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：metal sheet (foil)
foil
/fɔɪl/
n.
Metal that has been hammered or rolled into a very thin, flexible sheet.
metal sheet
➕
/ˈmetl ʃiːt/
n.
A very thin, flexible sheet of metal, commonly aluminum, used for wrapping, covering, or cooking.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'folium' (leaf) via Old French 'foil', referring to something thin like a leaf.
💡 Mnemonic
Kitchen foil is thin and shiny like a metal leaf.
📖 Example
I wrapped the leftover pizza in foil to keep it fresh for tomorrow's lunch.
The speaker describes using foil to wrap food for preservation.
🔗 Collocations
aluminum foil – The most common type of thin, silvery metal sheet used in kitchens.
tin foil – A traditional term for thin metal sheeting, now often made of aluminum.
kitchen foil – Foil specifically designed for culinary uses like wrapping and covering food.
🔄 Synonyms
sheet metal (n.) – Metal formed into thin, flat pieces, though typically thicker than foil.
lamina (n.) – A thin layer, plate, or scale of material (technical term).
leaf (n.) – A very thin sheet of metal, especially of gold or silver.
📖 Cultural Story
Derived from the Latin word for leaf ('folium'), 'foil' entered English via Old French. Its original sense of a thin leaf of metal reflects this origin. Today, aluminum foil is ubiquitous in kitchens and as an insulator in technology.
Meaning 2：prevent from succeeding (foil)
foil
/fɔɪl/
n.
To prevent someone from succeeding in their plan or attempt, especially at the last moment.
prevent from succeeding
➕
/priˈvent frəm səkˈsiːdɪŋ/
n.
To stop or thwart someone's plans or efforts, especially at a critical moment, preventing their success.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The hero's quick thinking foiled the villain's plan to steal the museum's treasure.
The hero's intelligence prevented the villain's criminal scheme from being completed.
🔗 Collocations
foil a plot – To successfully prevent a secret plan, often a harmful one.
foil an attempt – To stop someone's effort to achieve something from being successful.
foil a robbery – To prevent a theft from happening, often through intervention.
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
aid (v.) – To help, assist, or support someone's efforts.
abet (v.) – To encourage or assist someone in doing something wrong.
facilitate (v.) – To make an action or process easier.
🌱 Derivatives
unfoiled (adj.) – Not prevented or thwarted; successful.
Wordbook
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