Run afoul of definitions
| Word backwards | nur luofa fo |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | The part of speech of the phrase "run afoul of" is a verb phrase. |
| Syllabic division | run a-foul of |
| Plural | The plural of "run afoul of" is "runs afoul of." |
| Total letters | 10 |
| Vogais (3) | u,a,o |
| Consonants (4) | r,n,f,l |
When someone "runs afoul of" something, it means that they have come into conflict or violated a rule or law. This phrase is often used to describe situations where someone has done something wrong or made a mistake.
Origin of the Phrase
The expression "run afoul of" dates back to the 17th century and was originally a nautical term used to describe a ship running into or becoming entangled with another ship or an obstacle. Over time, the phrase has evolved to be used more generally to describe any situation where someone has encountered trouble or conflict.
Examples of Usage
For example, if a person breaks a law and is caught by the police, you could say that they have "run afoul of the law." Similarly, if someone violates a company policy at work and gets reprimanded by their boss, they could be said to have "run afoul of company rules."
Overall, "running afoul of" something implies that there are consequences for one's actions and that they have found themselves in a difficult or challenging situation as a result. It serves as a reminder to be mindful of rules and laws to avoid conflict or trouble.
Run afoul of Examples
- He ran afoul of the law by speeding on the highway.
- The company's unethical practices caused them to run afoul of industry regulations.
- The team's poor sportsmanship ran afoul of the referee, resulting in a penalty.
- Her outspoken opinions frequently run afoul of her colleagues' beliefs.
- The reckless driver ran afoul of traffic laws and was pulled over by the police.
- The student's cheating on the exam caused him to run afoul of the academic integrity policy.
- The restaurant owner ran afoul of health codes, leading to a temporary closure.
- The politician's controversial remarks ran afoul of public opinion, causing backlash.
- The hiker unintentionally ran afoul of park regulations by veering off the designated trail.
- The athlete's unsportsmanlike conduct ran afoul of team rules, resulting in a suspension.