run foul of (someone or something)
run foul of (someone or something)
1. In sailing, to collide or become entangled with something. The schooner lost control and ran foul of the lead boat. The small power boat ran foul of the seaweed and was completely immobilized.
2. To be in severe disagreement, trouble, or difficulty with someone or something; to be at odds with someone or something, especially due to disobeying rules or laws. Always look into the laws of any place you visit, or you may end up unwittingly running foul of the local police. Ms. Banks has run foul of this university for the last time. She is no longer welcome here!
See also: foul, of, run
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
run foul of
come into conflict with; go against.This expression is nautical in origin: when used of a ship it means ‘collide or become entangled with an obstacle or another vessel’. Both literal and figurative uses were current by the late 17th century.
See also: foul, of, run
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- run foul of
- wash overboard
- breast up
- shove off
- little man in the boat
- in dock
- boy in the boat
- take (someone) for a ride, to
- full boat
- by a canvas