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3. fall foul of

fall foul of

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fall (a)foul of someone or something

 and run (a)foul of someone or something

to get into a situation where one is opposed to someone or something; to get into trouble with someone or something. Dan fell afoul of the law at an early age. I hope that you will avoid falling afoul of the district manager. She can be a formidable enemy. I hope I don't run afoul of your sister. She doesn't like me.

See also: fall, foul, of

fall foul of somebody

to upset someone, so that they do not like you and try to harm you Officials who fall foul of the mayor find themselves exiled to the most boring departments.

See also: fall, foul, of

fall foul of something

  (slightly formal)

to break a law or a rule, and often be punished If their market share grows too large, they will fall foul of anti-monopoly laws.

See also: fall, foul, of