DictionaryfoxConfuse or outwit
verb

fox

To confuse or outwit someone.

The puzzle foxes even the experienced solver.

Etymology

The verb draws on the fox’s traditional reputation for cunning. To fox people is to defeat their understanding or maneuver around them through cleverness.

More examples

  • The unexpected move foxed his opponent.
  • They have foxed the investigators for weeks.
  • The question is foxing the whole class.

Forms

fox · foxes · foxed · foxing

Similar words

baffle
Makes something difficult to understand.
outwit
Defeats someone through cleverness.