bends the rules
Plays slightly loose
To bend the rules is to interpret regulations loosely or make small exceptions, stopping short of outright breaking them.
The phrase implies flexibility rather than defiance—working around constraints while technically staying within bounds: The teacher bent the rules and let him retake the test.
Someone who bends the rules prioritizes practical outcomes over strict compliance.
- exceptionDeviation from standard
- looking the other wayDeliberately ignoring wrongdoing
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- gray areaAmbiguous, ill-defined situation
- spirit of the lawA statute's underlying purpose
manipulation · stretching the truth · white lie · justification · rationalization · plausible deniability · loophole · persuasion · wink and a nod · playing fast and loose · improvisation · risk-taking · workaround · creative accounting · calculated risk · influence · discretion · boundary-pushing
bends the rulestoes the line
Adheres to expectations
rule-bound · letter of the law · by the book · conforms · orthodox
bends the rulesabove board
Honest and unconcealed
squeaky clean · principled · straight arrow · on the level · ethical
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