Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
run afoul of
idiom
/rʌn əˈfaʊl əv/
Definition
To come into conflict or disagreement with someone or something, often resulting in trouble or negative consequences.
Examples
- He ran afoul of the law when he ignored the regulations.
- The company ran afoul of the new environmental rules.
- She tends to run afoul of authority whenever she feels restricted.
Meaning
The phrase ‘run afoul of’ indicates a situation where a person or entity violates a rule, law, or social standard, leading to a difficult or problematic encounter.
Synonyms
- clash with
- fall foul of
- contradict
- come into conflict with
