Fall foul of Meaning in English
expression
FAWL FOWL uhv
FAWL FOWL ov
Definition
To get into trouble with someone or something, especially by breaking rules or offending an authority.
Usage & Nuances
This is a semi-formal idiom. Commonly used with 'the law', 'authorities', or 'rules'. Does not mean physical falling; always about trouble or conflict. Used in negative or cautionary contexts.
Spanish: enfrentarse a - tener problemas con - chocar conPortuguese (BR): entrar em conflito com - ter problemas comPortuguese (PT): entrar em conflito com - ter problemas comChinese (Simplified): 触犯 - 得罪 - 卷入麻烦Chinese (Traditional): 觸犯 - 得罪 - 捲入麻煩Hindi: से टकरा जाना - मुसीबत मोल लेनाArabic: يصطدم بـ - يقع في مشاكل معBengali: বিপাকে পড়া - সমস্যায় জড়ানো (কর্তৃপক্ষ বা নিয়মের সাপেক্ষে)Russian: попасть в немилость - нарушить правилаJapanese: 違反する - とがめられるVietnamese: vướng vào rắc rối - phạm phải quy địnhKorean: 문제를 일으키다 - 규정을 어기다Turkish: başını belaya sokmak - kurallara takılmakUrdu: مشکلات میں پڑنا - قانون یا اصول کی خلاف ورزی کرناIndonesian: melanggar - bermasalah dengan
Example Sentences
If you fall foul of the law, you could be fined or arrested.
basic
Many companies fall foul of tax rules each year.
basic
Be careful not to fall foul of the school regulations.
basic
He didn't realize he'd fallen foul of the local customs until it was too late.
natural
Journalists often fall foul of strict censorship laws.
natural
If you fall foul of your boss, your work life can get pretty tough.
natural