fall foul of

Register · Formal Formal — used in professional, academic, or ceremonial contexts and in careful writing. CEFR C1

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Figurative meaning

to get into trouble with someone or break a rule or law

Why this phrase?

From ships colliding ('falling foul'); figuratively means to come into conflict with.

Example

“The company fell foul of new data-protection rules.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

up to no good Informal · CEFR B1

engaged in behavior that is mischievous, dishonest, or otherwise wrong

add insult to injury Neutral · CEFR B2

make an already bad situation worse by adding humiliation or further harm

fair game Neutral · CEFR B2

a person or thing considered an acceptable target for pursuit or criticism

hold the line Neutral · CEFR B2

to maintain a position, decision, or principle despite pressure

no holds barred Neutral · CEFR B2

With no limits or restrictions on how a contest, argument, or conflict is conducted.

beyond the pale Formal · CEFR C1

Completely unacceptable by ordinary moral or social standards.

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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