loophole
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A small, narrow opening in a wall, especially of a fortification, designed for looking through, shooting arrows or guns from, or letting in light and air. 2. An ambiguity, omission, or inadequacy in a law, rule, or contract that allows someone to avoid complying with its intended purpose or obligation.
Usage
The word "loophole" is used to describe both a physical architectural feature and a figurative gap in a system of rules. It often carries a neutral or slightly negative connotation when referring to legal or financial evasion.
Examples
- Physical Opening:
- Archers fired arrows through the narrow loopholes in the castle wall.
- Light streamed into the dungeon through a single loophole.
- Figurative Gap in Rules:
- The company exploited a tax loophole to avoid paying millions.
- Lawyers found a loophole in the contract that allowed their client to terminate the agreement early.
- The new regulation was designed to close the loopholes in the previous law.
Advanced Usage
- "To close/plug a loophole": To fix or eliminate an ambiguity in a law or system.
- The government amended the legislation to close the loophole.
- "To exploit/find/use a loophole": To take advantage of an ambiguity to avoid a rule.
- He exploited a legal loophole to gain an advantage.
Variants and Related Words
- Loopholed (adjective): Having loopholes (typically referring to walls).
- The ancient, loopholed tower stood guard over the valley.
Synonyms
- For a physical opening: aperture, slit, opening, embrasure, crenel.
- For a gap in rules: ambiguity, omission, escape clause, let-out, inconsistency, technicality.
Idioms and Phrases
- "A loophole in the law": A standard phrase describing a legal ambiguity that can be exploited.
- They drove a truck through a loophole in the law.
Noun
- a small hole in a fortified wall; for observation or discharging weapons
- an ambiguity (especially one in the text of a law or contract) that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation