be a foil for (someone)
be a foil for (someone)
To contrast with someone else and thus highlight their unique qualities. Of course Edgar Linton ends up marrying Catherine—he's totally a foil for Heathcliff throughout the whole novel. With her humor and upbeat demeanor, I found my sister to be a perfect foil for dour Seth. Dad's wry humor has always been a foil for Mom's more overt wackiness.
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