ran afoul of
Got into trouble
Ran afoul of means came into conflict or trouble with.
The phrase usually involves rules, laws, or authorities: He ran afoul of the IRS after failing to report income, The ship ran afoul of maritime regulations.
The nautical origin—ships becoming tangled—survives in the sense of getting caught up in something that impedes progress.
- offendCause hurt feelings
- violateBreak a rule deliberately
- transgressViolate a boundary
- cheatAct dishonestly to win
- infringeViolate another's rights
ruffled feathers · contravene · disobey · flout · argue · insult · overstep · clash · crossed paths · antagonize · collide · deceive · breach · disrespect · betray · alienate · disagree · provoke