outfox
UK: /ˌaʊtˈfɒks/ | US: /ˌaʊtˈfɑːks/
vt. to defeat or deceive someone by being more clever or cunning
vt. to outsmart or outmaneuver, especially in a strategic context
The word "outfox" combines "out" (meaning "beyond" or "surpass") with "fox," an animal long associated with cunning and trickery in folklore. The verb emerged in the early 19th century, metaphorically extending the fox's reputation for slyness to human behavior. The logic is straightforward: to "outfox" someone is to outperform them in wit or strategy, much as a fox might evade capture through cleverness.
The detective outfoxed the criminal by setting a clever trap.
In the negotiation, she managed to outfox her competitors with a surprising move.
The chess grandmaster outfoxed his opponent with an unexpected sacrifice.
Smaller companies often outfox larger rivals by being more agile.
He tried to outfox the system, but his plan backfired.