bend the rules
The teacher bent the rules and let the students retake the test even though it was against school policy.
Die Lehrerin dehnte die Regeln und ließ die Schüler:innen den Test wiederholen, obwohl es gegen die Schulordnung verstieß.
to intentionally bend or relax strict regulations or guidelines in a flexible way, often to accommodate a specific situation or person
The manager bent the rules to let the intern stay longer, even though overtime wasn’t allowed.
Der Manager dehnte die Regeln, um dem Praktikanten länger bleiben zu lassen, obwohl Überstunden nicht erlaubt waren.
She bent the rules to let her friend into the concert, even though he didn’t have a ticket.
Sie dehnte die Regeln, um ihrer Freundin den Eintritt ins Konzert zu ermöglichen, obwohl diese kein Ticket hatte.
Implies a small, situational deviation from the norm, often for personal benefit or leniency.
Kollokationen
Verwandte Ausdrücke
Profi-Tipp
Context matters
Use 'bend the rules' when the deviation is minor and situational, not a systematic change. For example, 'The coach bent the rules to let the injured player finish the game' implies a one-time exception, not a new policy.
Goldene Regel
Avoid in formal writing
In legal, academic, or official documents, prefer 'make an exception' or 'waive the rules' to maintain professionalism.
Verwendungshinweise
Common in informal or managerial contexts where flexibility is valued. Avoid using in highly formal or legal settings unless explicitly allowed.