Afoul of definitions
| Word backwards | luofa fo |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Preposition |
| Syllabic division | a-foul of |
| Plural | The plural form of "afoul of" is "afoul of." This phrase does not change in its plural form. |
| Total letters | 7 |
| Vogais (3) | a,o,u |
| Consonants (2) | f,l |
When someone is said to be afoul of something, it means they are in conflict or facing difficulties with it. This phrase is often used in legal contexts to describe situations where someone has broken a rule, law, or regulation, causing them to be in trouble or facing consequences.
Origin of the Phrase
The term "afoul of" is believed to have originated from naval jargon, where it referred to a ship's rigging becoming tangled or twisted. Over time, it took on a more metaphorical meaning, indicating a person getting entangled in a conflict or facing obstacles.
Usage in Legal Settings
In legal settings, being afoul of the law can have serious implications, ranging from fines to imprisonment. It is essential for individuals to understand the rules and regulations that govern their actions to avoid inadvertently finding themselves on the wrong side of the law.
Common Usage
Outside of legal contexts, people can also find themselves in other situations afoul of various things, such as company policies, social norms, or personal relationships. When this occurs, it is crucial to address the issues promptly and take steps to rectify the situation.
In conclusion, being afoul of something signifies being at odds with it or facing difficulties as a result. Whether in legal matters or personal interactions, navigating such situations requires caution, awareness, and a willingness to address any conflicts that arise.
Afoul of Examples
- The company found itself afoul of labor laws due to unfair practices.
- The politician's controversial statements quickly put him afoul of public opinion.
- The new policy runs afoul of the organization's core values.
- The students were warned not to run afoul of the school's strict rules.
- The company's financial report was found to be afoul of accounting regulations.
- The project manager's decisions went afoul of the established timeline.
- The restaurant risked going afoul of health codes by ignoring cleanliness standards.
- The athlete's behavior was afoul of the team's code of conduct.
- The business owner unknowingly fell afoul of tax laws and faced penalties.
- The new advertising campaign went afoul of consumer preferences and failed to attract customers.