Bend/stretch the rules
verb
To slightly change the rules or interpret them in a way that suits one's needs or circumstances.
To help her favorite student, the teacher sometimes had to bend the rules a bit.
Often appears as...
- bend the rules slightly
- bend the rules in favor
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To ignore or break the rules to a mild extent to achieve personal or other benefits.
She knew it was against the rules, but she was willing to stretch them for her friend's sake.
Often appears as...
- stretch the rules to make profit
- stretch the rules for personal gain
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To slightly change the rules or interpret them in a way that suits one's needs or circumstances.
To help her favorite student, the teacher sometimes had to bend the rules a bit.
Often appears as...
- bend the rules slightly
- bend the rules in favor
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To ignore or break the rules to a mild extent to achieve personal or other benefits.
She knew it was against the rules, but she was willing to stretch them for her friend's sake.
Often appears as...
- stretch the rules to make profit
- stretch the rules for personal gain
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Disobedience
Bending the rules suggests a minor or cunning alteration rather than outright breaking them.
To close the shop early, the manager bent the rules and said it was for inventory.
Pro Tip 2/3Situational Ethics
The phrase is often used in contexts where rules may seem too rigid or impractical.
The nurse bent the rules to allow the boy to see his puppy in the hospital.
Pro Tip 3/3Justifiable Means
It's sometimes viewed positively, as a way to achieve a greater good or fairness.
The librarian bent the rules for the homeless man, letting him stay past hours.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Disobedience
Bending the rules suggests a minor or cunning alteration rather than outright breaking them.
To close the shop early, the manager bent the rules and said it was for inventory.
Pro Tip 2/3Situational Ethics
The phrase is often used in contexts where rules may seem too rigid or impractical.
The nurse bent the rules to allow the boy to see his puppy in the hospital.
Pro Tip 3/3Justifiable Means
It's sometimes viewed positively, as a way to achieve a greater good or fairness.
The librarian bent the rules for the homeless man, letting him stay past hours.
Pro Tip 1/3Subtle Disobedience
Bending the rules suggests a minor or cunning alteration rather than outright breaking them.
To close the shop early, the manager bent the rules and said it was for inventory.
Pro Tip 2/3Situational Ethics
The phrase is often used in contexts where rules may seem too rigid or impractical.
The nurse bent the rules to allow the boy to see his puppy in the hospital.
Pro Tip 3/3Justifiable Means
It's sometimes viewed positively, as a way to achieve a greater good or fairness.
The librarian bent the rules for the homeless man, letting him stay past hours.
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