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general::
Phrase(s): fall (a)foul of someone or something [and] run (a)foul of someone or something
to get into a situation where one is opposed to someone or something; to get into trouble with someone or something. • Dan fell afoul of the law at an early age. • I hope that you will avoid falling afoul of the district manager. She can be a formidable enemy. • I hope I don’t run afoul of your sister. She doesn’t like me.
McGrawhill's American Idioms And Phrasal Verbs