a foul move

USAGE SUMMARY

"a foul move" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe an action or decision that is unethical, dishonest, or underhanded. It is often used in a negative or critical context to express disapproval or condemnation of the action. Example: "The athlete's foul move, cheating during the championship game, was heavily criticized by the media and fans."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(Which, to be fair to Nicki, seems like a foul move. Hot 97 booked her to perform, then publicly bashed her integrity as an artist).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

The second, a personal foul, moved it back to the 25.

The New York Times

Kennedy got the ball back on its 23-yard line with less than two minutes remaining, but a personal foul moved it to the 38.

The New York Times - Sports

Foul Move The European Union Parliament will reportedly take up a bill that will require wild game to be certified as fit and healthy before it is shot.

Forbes

One foul move could cost you the race.

WikiHow

Finally, Referee Bernie Kukar said the offsides penalty had been a dead-ball foul, moving the ball about a foot from the goal line and giving the Titans one last play.

The New York Times - Sports

No harm, no foul, moving on".

Huffington Post

The video shows a series of sticky calls, including instances of an offensive foul, a moving screen, a defensive foul on a screen, a forearm to the back on a part of the floor where this is not allowed and a push-off on an entry pass.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm in a foul mood, too.

The New Yorker

Hughes drew a foul on a spin move and banked the ball off the glass and through the basket.

The New York Times - Sports

But Arbroath refused to buckle and made a real contest of it, Steven Doris seeing a goal disallowed after the break for a foul earlier in the move.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context. While versatile, the phrase might be too informal for highly professional or academic writing, where more neutral language might be preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "a foul move" in formal reports or academic papers. Opt for more neutral and objective language such as "an unethical action" or "a breach of protocol" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a foul move" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes an action or strategy considered unethical or unfair. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is used to express disapproval.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a foul move" is a noun phrase used to describe an action considered unethical or unfair. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English. While grammatically sound, its usage is relatively rare and primarily found in news and media or Wiki contexts. For more formal settings, consider using more neutral alternatives such as "an unethical action" or "a breach of protocol". The phrase effectively conveys disapproval and criticism.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an unfair tactic

Focuses on the injustice of the action, rather than the skill or strategy.

a dirty trick

Emphasizes the deceitful and underhanded nature of the action.

a low blow

Highlights the action as being particularly hurtful or insensitive.

an unsportsmanlike act

Specifically refers to actions that violate the principles of fair play in a competitive setting.

a treacherous maneuver

Implies betrayal or deception in the execution of the action.

a questionable decision

Focuses on the doubtfulness and uncertainty surrounding the action's morality or wisdom.

a reprehensible act

Highlights the blameworthy nature of the action.

a dishonorable deed

Emphasizes the lack of integrity and ethical conduct in the action.

an unethical play

Highlights the action as not morally correct.

a shady practice

Suggests that the action is suspicious and potentially illegal.

FAQs

How can I use "a foul move" in a sentence?

You can use "a foul move" to describe an action considered unfair or unethical. For example: "Cheating during the exam was "a foul move" that resulted in serious consequences."

What's a similar expression to "a foul move"?

Similar expressions include "an unfair tactic", "a dirty trick", or "a low blow", all of which convey disapproval of an action.

Is "a foul move" suitable for formal writing?

While understandable, "a foul move" might be too informal for academic or professional writing. Consider using alternatives like "an unethical action" or "a breach of protocol" for a more neutral tone.

What kind of actions does "a foul move" typically describe?

"A foul move" typically describes actions that are not just rule-breaking but also perceived as unfair, underhanded, or morally questionable. It goes beyond simply violating regulations.