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
Then there's a movie coming down the line about the Authority, a super-team described as the anti-Justice League, a group of metahumans who are willing to bend the rules a bit.
—
EW.com, 11 July 2025
Dogged and agile, Ballard isn’t afraid to bend the rules to get answers, determined to see a way forward when no one else can.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2025
Find a small cinema near you and laugh along with the audience as these young artists bend the rules to create a room of one’s own.
—Air Mail, 3 May 2025
With Altamura Distilleries officially named the Vodka Partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, more chefs and bartenders will have a chance to create unique combinations with this Italian premium vodka that bend the rules and blend international flavors.
—Elena Valeriote, Forbes.com, 12 June 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.
EW.com, 11 July 2025
Dogged and agile, Ballard isn’t afraid to bend the rules to get answers, determined to see a way forward when no one else can.
—Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 9 July 2025
Find a small cinema near you and laugh along with the audience as these young artists bend the rules to create a room of one’s own.
—Air Mail, 3 May 2025
With Altamura Distilleries officially named the Vodka Partner of The World’s 50 Best Hotels, more chefs and bartenders will have a chance to create unique combinations with this Italian premium vodka that bend the rules and blend international flavors.
—Elena Valeriote, Forbes.com, 12 June 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 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share