get around the rules

USAGE SUMMARY

"get around the rules" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where someone finds a way to do something which is technically against the rules, either intentionally or unintentionally. For example, "The students found a way to get around the rules and get extra money from the school."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

In theory, that should get around the rules.

The Guardian

Of course, not everyone is trying to get around the rules.

The New York Times

But how could a rider like Armstrong know how to get around the rules?

The New York Times - Sports

This type of work only serves to help management get around the rules.

The New York Times

Part-time workers often have to find ways to get around the rules.

The Guardian - Money

But big donors can now get around the rules by funneling contributions through the national party.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

There are complex ways to get around the rule.

The New York Times

"Too often we have a problem and we say 'here's a rule' and then people figure out a way to get around the rule," Mr. Scott said.

The New York Times

However, if you still have other money in a traditional I.R.A., you can get around the rule by carving out a separate chunk of your I.R.A. and converting that portion to a Roth I.R.A., said Barry C. Picker, an accountant and financial planner with Picker, Weinberg & Auerbach in Brooklyn.

The New York Times

How did Whole Foods get around the rule on 50%-owned subsidiaries?

Forbes

Frank B. Cross, University of Texas at Austin law and business professor, said that a "pattern of enforcement" will emerge from how banks will try to get around the rule and which rule-breaking the government will track down.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get around the rules", consider the ethical implications of the action. It can imply cleverness, but also a lack of integrity depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "get around the rules" when a more direct term like "break the rules" is more accurate. "Get around" implies a clever workaround, not necessarily an outright violation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get around the rules" functions as a verb phrase, typically used within a sentence to describe the action of circumventing or avoiding the constraints imposed by established rules or regulations. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

17%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "get around the rules" is a common and correct verb phrase used to describe the act of circumventing or avoiding regulations. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and used in various contexts, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science domains. While it can imply unethical behavior, it can also describe innovative problem-solving. When using this phrase, consider the ethical implications and ensure it accurately reflects the situation. Alternatives like "skirt the rules" or "circumvent the regulations" may offer nuanced shades of meaning. Overall, understanding the context and potential connotations is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skirt the rules

Implies narrowly avoiding violating the rules, often by staying within the technical limits but defying the spirit of the regulation.

bend the rules

Suggests manipulating the rules to one's advantage without technically breaking them.

circumvent the regulations

Formally means to find a way around restrictions; it's a more formal way to say "get around the rules".

evade the regulations

Implies avoiding rules, often in a deceptive or strategic manner.

bypass the restrictions

Focuses on avoiding or ignoring a limitation.

find loopholes

Specifically refers to exploiting ambiguities or omissions in the rules.

maneuver around the guidelines

Implies skillful or strategic navigation to avoid the impact of guidelines.

sidestep the requirements

Focuses on avoiding certain requirements through alternative actions.

flout the rules

Means to openly disregard the rules, acting as if they do not apply.

work around the system

Implies using the system in a way that was not intended to achieve a desired outcome.

FAQs

How to use "get around the rules" in a sentence?

You can use "get around the rules" to describe actions that cleverly avoid regulations or restrictions, such as, "The company found a legal way to "skirt the rules"".

What can I say instead of "get around the rules"?

Alternatives to "get around the rules" include "skirt the rules", "circumvent the regulations", or "bypass the restrictions" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "get around the rules" always negative?

Not necessarily. While it can imply unethical behavior, "get around the rules" can also describe innovative problem-solving where one creatively navigates regulations to achieve a positive outcome.

What's the difference between "get around the rules" and "break the rules"?

"Get around the rules" suggests avoiding the intended impact of the rule while technically adhering to the letter of the law. "Break the rules", on the other hand, indicates a direct violation.