be a foil to

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

I won't go about to be a foil to her.

From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science October, 1877. Vol XX - No. 118 by Various

He is to have none, I suppose, but just be a foil to throw her into relief.

From Kate Carnegie and Those Ministers by Maclaren, Ian

He presented me in society under the expectation that my dulness would be a foil to his qualities.

From The Lily of the Valley by Wormeley, Katharine Prescott

The many people that fall down may be a foil to illustrate the dangers of the path, for the purpose of deepening the impression of improvement.

From Hidden Symbolism of Alchemy and the Occult Arts by Jelliffe, Smith Ely

I could at least be a foil to this healthy, vigorous young beauty who was two inches taller than I, and might have my share of the advantages which go with all antithesis.

From The High Heart by King, Basil