break the rules
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Littéralement: to shatter/fracture the regulations
Use this phrase when someone intentionally ignores a standard practice, whether for mischief or for innovation.
En 15 secondes
- Doing something not allowed by official or social standards.
- Can imply being a rebel, an innovator, or a troublemaker.
- Used for everything from minor pranks to workplace policies.
Signification
This phrase means doing something that is not allowed by a law, a policy, or a social agreement. It is about choosing to ignore the established way of doing things, sometimes for a good reason and sometimes for a bad one.
Exemples clés
3 sur 6Talking about a creative colleague
She likes to break the rules to find better ways of working.
She likes to break the rules to find better ways of working.
A parent talking to a child
You know you aren't allowed to eat in the living room; don't break the rules.
You know you aren't allowed to eat in the living room; don't break the rules.
Texting a friend about a party
The DJ is totally breaking the rules by playing after midnight!
The DJ is totally breaking the rules by playing after midnight!
Contexte culturel
The phrase reflects a Western cultural tension between order and individualism. While society values law, the 'rebel' archetype is a hero in Hollywood and Silicon Valley, making the phrase often sound cool or innovative rather than just negative. It became especially popular in the mid-20th century during counter-culture movements.
The 'Bend' vs 'Break' Secret
If you want to sound less like a criminal and more like a clever negotiator, use `bend the rules`. It implies you are being flexible rather than destructive.
Don't use for Laws
While you can say someone 'broke the rules' of a game, for serious crimes, always use `break the law`. Using `rules` for a felony sounds too light.
En 15 secondes
- Doing something not allowed by official or social standards.
- Can imply being a rebel, an innovator, or a troublemaker.
- Used for everything from minor pranks to workplace policies.
What It Means
Break the rules is about crossing a line. It means you know there is a standard way to behave, but you choose a different path. Sometimes it feels rebellious and exciting. Other times, it sounds like you are being a bit of a troublemaker. It is the opposite of following the rules or playing by the book.
How To Use It
You can use this as a verb phrase in almost any tense. You might say someone broke the rules yesterday or is breaking the rules right now. It works for big things, like laws, or small things, like eating cookies before dinner. Use it when the action is intentional. If you do it by accident, people usually say you made a mistake instead.
When To Use It
Use it when discussing someone who is being creative or rebellious. In a business meeting, it might mean someone is being innovative. With friends, it might mean someone is being a bit wild. It is perfect for talking about movies where the hero ignores the law to save the day. You can also use it when you are feeling a little cheeky and want to do something unexpected.
When NOT To Use It
Avoid using this if the situation is extremely serious, like a major crime. In those cases, words like violate the law or commit an offense are better. If you use break the rules for a serious crime, you might sound like you are downplaying the situation. Also, don't use it for physical objects. You don't break the rules of a chair; you just break the chair!
Cultural Background
In many English-speaking cultures, there is a weird double standard. We are taught to follow rules, but we also admire 'rule-breakers.' Think of Steve Jobs or rock stars. We often see breaking the rules as a sign of leadership or 'thinking outside the box.' However, if you do it at a DMV or a bank, people will just get very annoyed with you.
Common Variations
You might hear bend the rules. This is a softer version. It means you aren't totally destroying the rule, just stretching it a bit. There is also rules are meant to be broken. People say this when they want to justify doing something they shouldn't. If you are a total rebel, you might shatter the rules.
Notes d'usage
The phrase is neutral and very versatile. However, be careful with the tone; it can sound admiring in a creative context but accusatory in a disciplined one.
The 'Bend' vs 'Break' Secret
If you want to sound less like a criminal and more like a clever negotiator, use `bend the rules`. It implies you are being flexible rather than destructive.
Don't use for Laws
While you can say someone 'broke the rules' of a game, for serious crimes, always use `break the law`. Using `rules` for a felony sounds too light.
The Maverick Spirit
In US business culture, 'breaking the rules' is often a compliment. It means you are an innovator who doesn't let old ways stop progress.
Exemples
6She likes to break the rules to find better ways of working.
She likes to break the rules to find better ways of working.
Here, it has a positive, innovative meaning.
You know you aren't allowed to eat in the living room; don't break the rules.
You know you aren't allowed to eat in the living room; don't break the rules.
Used to enforce household discipline.
The DJ is totally breaking the rules by playing after midnight!
The DJ is totally breaking the rules by playing after midnight!
Used to express excitement or a sense of fun.
I'm breaking the rules by whispering... oh wait, that's the rule!
I'm breaking the rules by whispering... oh wait, that's the rule!
A joke about being confused by the rules.
He was disqualified because he chose to break the rules during the final.
He was disqualified because he chose to break the rules during the final.
Focuses on the negative consequences of the action.
I felt like I had to break the rules of our agreement to help you.
I felt like I had to break the rules of our agreement to help you.
Shows a moral dilemma where breaking rules was seen as necessary.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct form of the phrase for the sentence.
The artist was famous for ___ of traditional painting.
The phrase 'breaking the rules' refers to ignoring traditional standards in art.
Complete the common saying.
Some people believe that rules are ___ to be broken.
The idiom 'rules are meant to be broken' is a common English expression.
🎉 Score : /2
Aides visuelles
Formality of 'Break the Rules'
Used with friends or for fun.
Let's break the rules and have dessert first!
Standard everyday usage.
If you break the rules, you will be grounded.
Used in reports or news.
The athlete was accused of breaking the rules.
Where to Break the Rules
At School
Using a phone during class.
In Sports
Touching the ball with your hands in soccer.
In Business
Disrupting an old industry with new tech.
At Home
Staying up past your bedtime.
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsNot always! In creative fields, it often means being innovative. For example, He broke the rules of photography to create a new style.
Rules are usually for games, schools, or offices. Laws are for the country. You break the rules in Monopoly, but you break the law if you steal.
Yes, if you explain it well. You might say, I like to break the rules of traditional marketing to show you are creative.
Usually, it is plural: break the rules. You only use the singular if you are talking about one specific, named rule.
It means to cheat just a little bit or to make an exception. It is less serious than breaking them.
You can say they go by the book or they are a rule-follower.
No, it is a standard English collocation used in both casual and professional settings.
No, you only use it for abstract concepts like guidelines or policies. You break a window, you don't break the rules of a window.
A rule-breaker is a person who often ignores the rules. It can be a negative label or a cool nickname.
The most common opposites are follow the rules, obey the rules, or abide by the rules.
Expressions liées
Bend the rules
To allow something that is usually not allowed, or to ignore a rule slightly.
Go against the grain
To do something in a way that is different from what is normal or expected.
Play by the book
To follow all the rules and procedures strictly.
Think outside the box
To think creatively and unconventionally.
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