Afoul Meaning in English
word
əˈfaʊɫ
uh-FOWL
ɐfˈaʊl
uh-FOWL
Definition
To be in conflict with, or to get into trouble with rules, laws, or authorities. Often used in the phrase 'run afoul of'.
Usage & Nuances
Almost always used in set phrases like 'run afoul of the law'. Very formal or literary; rarely used in everyday speech. Not related to 'a foul' (as in sports). Common error: confusing with 'foul' (adjective).
Spanish: en conflicto con - en problemas conPortuguese (BR): em conflito com - em apuros comPortuguese (PT): em conflito com - em apuros comChinese (Simplified): 与...发生冲突Chinese (Traditional): 與...發生衝突Hindi: के विरोध में - मुसीबत मेंArabic: في صدام مع - في ورطة معBengali: বিরোধী হওয়া - সমস্যায় পড়াRussian: конфликтовать - нарушать (правила, закон)Japanese: 抵触する - 問題を起こすVietnamese: mâu thuẫn với - vi phạmKorean: 충돌하다 - (법/규칙에) 걸리다Turkish: çatışmak - kurallara takılmakUrdu: خلاف ورزی کرنا - الجھ جاناIndonesian: berselisih - melanggar (aturan/hukum)
Example Sentences
He ran afoul of the school rules.
basic
Companies sometimes run afoul of tax laws.
basic
You may run afoul of the authorities if you park here.
basic
He didn't mean to run afoul of the regulations—it happened by accident.
natural
Many travelers run afoul of local customs without realizing it.
natural
He spoke out and soon ran afoul of his boss.
natural