Fall foul of somebody/something
verb
To break a rule, law, or agreement, causing trouble or punishment.
The company fell foul of the law by not paying their taxes on time.
Often appears as...
- fall foul of the law
- fall foul of regulations
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To get into trouble or into an argument with someone.
He fell foul of his boss when he arrived late for the meeting.
Often appears as...
- fall foul of boss
- fall foul of colleague
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To break a rule, law, or agreement, causing trouble or punishment.
The company fell foul of the law by not paying their taxes on time.
Often appears as...
- fall foul of the law
- fall foul of regulations
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
verb
To get into trouble or into an argument with someone.
He fell foul of his boss when he arrived late for the meeting.
Often appears as...
- fall foul of boss
- fall foul of colleague
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Used when someone does something against the law or formal rules.
If you copy someone else's work, you could fall foul of plagiarism laws.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Consequences
Implies that there will be negative outcomes, like fines or penalties.
Companies can fall foul of environmental regulations and face heavy fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoidance
Often used as a cautionary advice to not break established norms.
Make sure to declare all your income to avoid falling foul of the taxation rules.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Used when someone does something against the law or formal rules.
If you copy someone else's work, you could fall foul of plagiarism laws.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Consequences
Implies that there will be negative outcomes, like fines or penalties.
Companies can fall foul of environmental regulations and face heavy fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoidance
Often used as a cautionary advice to not break established norms.
Make sure to declare all your income to avoid falling foul of the taxation rules.
Pro Tip 1/3Legal Context
Used when someone does something against the law or formal rules.
If you copy someone else's work, you could fall foul of plagiarism laws.
Pro Tip 2/3Potential Consequences
Implies that there will be negative outcomes, like fines or penalties.
Companies can fall foul of environmental regulations and face heavy fines.
Pro Tip 3/3Avoidance
Often used as a cautionary advice to not break established norms.
Make sure to declare all your income to avoid falling foul of the taxation rules.
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