Crossword Genius

Perhaps foil spies or scammers? (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

sword

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

'perhaps foil' is the definition.
(I know that foil is a type of fencing sword)

'spies or scammers?' is the wordplay.
I cannot really see how this works, but
'or' is within the answer.
This may be the basis of the clue (or it may be nonsense).

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for sword that I've seen before include "Two-edged weapon" , "Weapon, often worn ceremonially" , "Weapon of steel" , "killer?" , "Bladed weapon" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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