Outfoxed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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outfoxed
[aสtหfษหkst ]
Definition
tricked opponent
To outfox someone means to outsmart or trick them, often in a clever or cunning way. It implies using one's wits or cunning to gain an advantage or to deceive the other person.
Synonyms
deceive, outsmart, outwit, trick.
Examples of usage
- She outfoxed her competitors in the business world.
- The detective managed to outfox the criminal.
- He always finds a way to outfox his friends in trivia games.
Translations
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Origin of 'outfoxed'
The term 'outfoxed' comes from the combination of 'out', meaning 'to a greater extent' or 'beyond', and 'fox', which refers to the animal known for its cunning nature. The use of 'fox' as a verb meaning to outsmart dates back to the 15th century. The term literally implies one is smarter than a fox, an animal traditionally associated with trickery and slyness. This expression highlights the cleverness and guile needed to achieve an advantage, often in competitive situations. Over time, the word 'outfox' has evolved into a more general term used in various contexts, from sports to negotiations, and is recognized in the realm of language as symbolizing intelligence used for strategic advantage.