Crossword Genius

It's metallic and resembles foil (4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

epee

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'foil' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

'it's metallic and resembles' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'it' could be 'e' ('e' can mean 'electronic' which is similar to 'IT') and 'e' is found within the answer.
The remaining letters 'pee' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't understand.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for epee that I've seen before include "Fencer's sword" , "Fighting blade" , "Type of sword" , "Duelling weapon" , "Fencing sword similar to a foil" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.
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