# fall foul

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/fall-foul
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To collide; to conflict with; to attack (+ on, of, upon)

## Examples

- Be careful not to fall foul of the school rules.
- The company had to change its marketing strategy after it fell foul of local advertising regulations.
- The young politician realized that his controversial speech had caused him to fall foul of the party leadership, effectively ending his career.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.