32 Across

NYT Daily • August 2, 2025

Foil

Answer:

PREVENT

Hint:

["Here’s a helpful hint for the clue \"Foil\":\n\n**\"To stop something from happening, as in thwarting a plan.\"**\n\nThis hint guides the solver toward the idea of prevention or obstruction without directly giving away the answer. It uses a synonym (\"thwarting\") to nudge them in the right direction while keeping the challenge intact."]

Explanation:

The clue "Foil" leads to the answer "PREVENT" through a clever use of wordplay. - **Direct Meaning**: "Foil" can mean to thwart or prevent something from happening (e.g., "foil a plot"). - **Synonym Connection**: In this context, "foil" is a synonym for "prevent," making the answer a straightforward definition-based solution. There is no additional wordplay (like anagrams or homophones) or cultural references here—just a direct link between the clue and the answer based on their shared meaning.

More Clues from This Puzzle

7 Across

8 letters

Moored

1 Across

6 letters

Like baseballs and some eyelashes

15 Across

6 letters

Not come unglued

16 Across

8 letters

Flugelhorn player on the 1978 instrumental hit "Feels So Good"