1.
foil; person or thing that makes another look better by contrast
A person, character, or element whose purpose is to highlight or enhance the qualities of another, often the main figure. Equivalent to a 'foil' or 'straight man' in English.
引き立て役 comes from 引き立てる (to make something stand out) + 役 (role). It can refer to people, characters, or even objects that enhance something else by contrast.
Common collocations
- 引き立て役になる — to become a foil
- 引き立て役にされる — to be made into a foil (passive, slightly negative)
- 引き立て役に回る — to take on the foil role