dodge the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dodge the rules" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to avoiding or circumventing regulations or guidelines. Example: "He always finds a way to dodge the rules during the game." Alternative expressions include "evade the rules" and "bypass the rules."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Time to trade Labours lost ReprintsOrdinary Zimbabweans do their best to dodge the rules.

The Economist

"I mean, this guy's job is obvious — to tell these guys, how are we going to dodge the rules?

The New Yorker

Multinationals can also use transfer prices (the prices at which internal transactions are accounted for) to dodge the rules.

The Economist

"In trying to dodge the rules, banks created a second and poorly capitalised banking system," says Francisco González, chairman and chief executive of BBVA.

The Economist

That's a positive development because it ensures that entities run in, say, Greenwich, Conn., can't dodge the rules by incorporating in, say, the Cayman Islands.

The New York Times

Coffee shops, as with any other business, sometimes try to dodge the rules.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

After all the Americans, by their canny use of a declaration of war, not against a country but against a group, have managed to dodge the rule of law.

The Guardian

This way of working had evolved as a way of dodging the rules imposed by the lord chamberlain, who acted as official censor.

The Guardian

While it is still a last resort for a tiny minority of childless couples, the adoption of babies in the UK is as difficult as ever, and it is also now virtually impossible to dodge the strict rules controlling adoption from abroad.

The Guardian

Those same people can then go back to their jobs as consultants, and advise big corporations and the mega-rich on how to dodge the tax rules that they wrote.

Vice

It has been approved by parliament and the PRA is clear it will stamp on any restructuring proposal from a bank that seeks to dodge the spirit of the rules.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "dodge the rules", consider the context and whether a more specific term like "evade" or "circumvent" might be more appropriate to convey the precise meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "dodge the rules" when the situation involves directly breaking the rules, as "dodge" implies avoidance rather than outright violation. Use a stronger term if direct violation is the case.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dodge the rules" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "dodge" acts as the main verb and "the rules" serves as the object. It describes the action of avoiding or circumventing established regulations.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Science & Research

8%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "dodge the rules" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that describes the act of avoiding or circumventing established regulations. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English. While versatile, it's important to consider whether a more precise term like "evade" or "circumvent" might better suit the context. This phrase appears frequently in news and media, with a neutral register, making it appropriate for various discussions about regulations and compliance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evade the regulations

Focuses on escaping or avoiding regulations, often implying a deliberate act.

circumvent the guidelines

Highlights finding a way around the intended purpose of the guidelines.

bypass the regulations

Emphasizes going around or ignoring the formal regulations.

skirt the rules

Implies narrowly avoiding a direct violation of the rules.

bend the rules

Suggests stretching the interpretation of the rules to gain an advantage.

get around the regulations

Highlights finding a method to overcome or avoid the regulations.

find a loophole

Focuses on exploiting an ambiguity or omission in the rules.

flout the rules

Implies openly disregarding or showing contempt for the rules.

sidestep the regulations

Suggests moving to the side to avoid a direct confrontation with the regulations.

maneuver around the rules

Highlights using skillful tactics to avoid being bound by the rules.

FAQs

How can I use "dodge the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "dodge the rules" to describe actions that avoid or circumvent regulations. For instance, "The company tried to dodge the rules by using creative accounting."

What are some alternatives to "dodge the rules"?

Alternatives include "evade the regulations", "circumvent the guidelines", or "bypass the regulations".

Is it better to say "dodge the rules" or "break the rules"?

The choice depends on the context. "Dodge the rules" implies avoiding the rules without directly violating them. "Break the rules" means directly violating them. The former is about circumvention, while the latter is about disobedience.

What's the difference between "dodge the rules" and "bend the rules"?

"Dodge the rules" suggests avoiding them altogether, while "bend the rules" suggests stretching the interpretation or application of the rules to one's advantage.