Meaning of fall foul | Babel Free

Definitions

1. To collide; to conflict with; to attack (+ on, of, upon)
   archaic, idiomatic
2. To be defeated or thwarted (by); to suffer (+ of)
   idiomatic

Examples

“If they be any ways offended, […]they fall⟳ foul.”

“He was, literally speaking, drunk; which circumstance, together with his natural impetuosity, could produce⟳ no other effect than his running immediately up to his daughter, upon whom he fell foul with his tongue in the most inveterate manner [...]”

“Sky News fell foul of its own⟳ woolly reporting on Tuesday, when it reported "human remains" had been found on Saddleworth Moor. Ever keen to spin⟳ a good yarn, they immediately linked the story to moors murderers Ian Brady and Myra Hindley - only for the police to emerge⟳ seven hours later and announce⟳ that, after very careful inspection, they could confirm⟳ the carcass was not human …”

“If Chelsea were to fall⟳ foul of profit and sustainability, they would be expected to cite unforeseen circumstances, much as some clubs have⟳ claimed Covid writedowns: their books would have⟳ been sound⟳ but for the pandemic.”

“Passengers may find⟳ themselves in a catch⟳-22 situation, unable to buy⟳ a ticket for any number⟳ of reasons, ranging from an out-of-order ticket vending machine to a lengthy queue to use⟳ one, and yet then fall⟳ foul of the penalty fare regime.”

CEFR level