foul move

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "foul move" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that is considered unfair, unethical, or inappropriate in a given context, often in games or competitive situations. Example: "His decision to sabotage his opponent's chances was a foul move that shocked everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

(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

One foul move could cost you the race.

WikiHow

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

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

It's important to know what you're talking about, so that you can describe the relevant goals, fouls, moves and equipment with expertise.

WikiHow

Hatteberg, the first baseman, drifted into foul territory, moving toward home plate.

The New York Times - Sports

Problem was, Higgins had already been brought to his knees by Ryan Clark Mundyy's hit was a personal foul that moved the ball to the 11.

The New York Times

Future bids for council contracts by the French environmental services firm Veolia could fall foul of moves towards protecting the home market.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "foul move", ensure the context clearly indicates an action that violates ethical or fair play standards. It's most impactful when describing a deliberate act intended to gain an unfair advantage.

Common error

Avoid using "foul move" to describe situations that are merely inconvenient or undesirable. The phrase carries a connotation of intentional wrongdoing, so it's best reserved for scenarios involving deliberate unfairness or unethical behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "foul move" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject complement or object to describe an action or decision deemed unfair, unethical, or against the rules. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

33%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "foul move" is a noun phrase denoting an action perceived as unfair or unethical. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usage. While less common, its usage is consistent across news and media and Wiki sources. Consider alternatives like "unfair tactic" or "dishonorable act" depending on the desired nuance and context. Use "foul move" when emphasizing intentional wrongdoing, but avoid it in situations lacking deliberate unfairness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unfair tactic

Replaces "foul" with "unfair" and "move" with "tactic", focusing on the injustice of the action.

unethical maneuver

Replaces "foul" with "unethical" and "move" with "maneuver", emphasizing the lack of moral principles.

dirty trick

Emphasizes the underhanded and deceitful nature of the action.

low blow

Indicates a particularly unfair or cruel action.

underhanded tactic

Highlights the secretive and potentially dishonest nature of the action.

dishonorable act

Emphasizes the lack of honor or integrity in the action.

unsportsmanlike conduct

Highlights the violation of ethical behavior, particularly in sports or competitive settings.

deceitful strategy

Highlights the deceptive nature of the action as a planned strategy.

below-the-belt action

Indicates an action that is considered unfair or hitting someone where they are most vulnerable.

despicable deed

Emphasizes the reprehensible nature of the action.

FAQs

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

You can use "foul move" to describe an action considered unfair or unethical. For example, "His decision to spread rumors about his colleague was a "foul move"."

What are some synonyms for "foul move"?

Alternatives to "foul move" include "unfair tactic", "dirty trick", or "unsportsmanlike conduct". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "foul move" appropriate for formal writing?

While "foul move" is understandable, in formal writing, consider using more precise and professional alternatives like "unethical maneuver" or "dishonorable act" to convey the same meaning with greater nuance.

What distinguishes "foul move" from a simple mistake?

"Foul move" implies intent and a breach of ethics or rules. A simple mistake, on the other hand, is unintentional and lacks the element of deliberate unfairness.