fox

A wild animal like a small dog, usually with reddish fur, pointed ears, and a thick tail.

• A fox crossed the road.
• Foxes sometimes search our bins at night.
• We saw a fox carrying food to its cubs.

Common phrases: red fox, wild fox, fox cub

A clever person who knows how to trick others or gain an advantage.

• He’s a clever old fox.
• That sly fox got us to pay twice.
• The politician is a fox who rarely reveals his plans.

Similar words: trickster

Common phrases: old fox, sly fox, cunning fox

A woman someone finds very attractive.

• He thinks she’s a fox.
• That actor called his girlfriend a real fox.
• The old song describes a beautiful woman as a fox.

Similar words: beauty

Common phrases: a real fox, a total fox

To confuse someone so they cannot understand or solve something.

• That question foxed me.
• The final clue has foxed every player.
• Does this puzzle fox you too?

Similar words: confuse, baffle, puzzle

Common phrases: fox someone, fox the experts

To trick someone by being clever.

• His clever plan foxed the guards.
• She foxed her opponent with a sudden change of direction.
• Can you fox them into revealing their next move?

Similar words: trick, outwit, fool

Common phrases: fox someone, fox an opponent

To develop or cause small brown spots on paper, often in old books.

• The paper has foxed with age.
• Damp storage can fox the pages of old books.
• Some prints fox more easily than others.

Similar words: discolour, stain

Common phrases: fox the paper, fox with age