bend/stretch the rules
idiom
: to change or ignore rules
We cannot bend/stretch the rules just for you.
Examples of bend/stretch the rules in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Despite being the Royals, Eton College dean Sir Nicholas Coleridge will not bend the rules for them or anyone.
—
Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
New research identifies eight ways that salespeople across industries cheat or bend the rules to maximize their gain—often at the expense of the company’s bottom line and customer loyalty.
—Harvard Business Review, 18 Mar. 2025
Of course, the NHL should bend the rules to get the best defender on the planet into that game.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
When one attendee attempted to bend the rules, Reilly admonished the punter, urging them to live in the moment and absorb the connection between the performer and the audience.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bend/stretch the rules
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Lea Veloso, StyleCaster, 10 Apr. 2025
New research identifies eight ways that salespeople across industries cheat or bend the rules to maximize their gain—often at the expense of the company’s bottom line and customer loyalty.
—Harvard Business Review, 18 Mar. 2025
Of course, the NHL should bend the rules to get the best defender on the planet into that game.
—Thomas Drance, The Athletic, 19 Feb. 2025
When one attendee attempted to bend the rules, Reilly admonished the punter, urging them to live in the moment and absorb the connection between the performer and the audience.
—Stephen Thomas Erlewine, Rolling Stone, 15 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for bend/stretch the rules
Cite this Entry
“Bend/stretch the rules.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/bend%2Fstretch%20the%20rules. Accessed 10 Jun. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share