noun

loophole

loophole, escape clause

They found a loophole in the tax law.

They found a loophole in the tax law.

The contract has a major loophole.

The contract has a major loophole.

((a)) loophole ((in sth.)) an ambiguity or omission in a text (such as a law) that allows people to avoid a rule They found a loophole in the tax law.

Synonyms: escape clause, ambiguity, way out

A compound of 'loop' + 'hole'. Originally, it meant a narrow opening in a wall for shooting through.

Imagine a 'hole' in a 'loop' of rules that you can slip through.

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