outfox
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Etymology
Origin of outfox
Explanation
To outfox someone is to defeat them at something using quick thinking or sneaky tricks. Some of the most popular fictional detectives cleverly outfox their foes. You can attempt to outfox your opponent at poker using tricky strategies and bluffs. A political candidate can also try to outfox a rival, either through smart debate tactics or sneakier, more underhanded means. Outfox has been used in this way since the 1930s, from the old-fashioned verb fox, "to delude or deceive," which stems from the idea (popular in folklore) of foxes being wily or tricky.
Vocabulary lists containing outfox
Promises to Keep
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"Dragon, Dragon"
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Black Swan Green
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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.
On Wednesday, Foxtrot’s parent company, Outfox Hospitality, filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, but it’s not clear what’s left to divvy up.
From Slate • May 16, 2024
Eric Goldberg, Further Point Enterprises, Mike LaVitola, and Greenberg Traurig, the firm representing Outfox Hospitality in its bankruptcy, did not return Slate’s requests for comment.
From Slate • May 16, 2024
The software - called Outfox and created by Erasmus - is designed to sear a playbook into the minds of players more quickly and effectively.
From BBC • Oct. 25, 2023
Five suppliers - Good Energy, Outfox, So Energy, Tru Energy and Utilita - were found to have "severe weaknesses" which prompted a strong response from some firms.
From BBC • Nov. 21, 2022
Meanwhile, five firms, E, Good, Green Energy, Outfox and Bulb - were found to have some issues in the support they provide.
From BBC • Sep. 27, 2022
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
