Words / C1

LOOPH-ohl/ˈluːphəʊl/

A loophole is a small gap in a rule that lets someone avoid the intended restriction: a tax loophole, close a loophole. Gap and technicality are everyday cousins; loop and hole are the pieces. Do not boast of a loophole in an embargo you still morally broke.

Meaning

A small gap in a law or contract that lets someone avoid a rule.

Examples

• “A loophole in the embargo text is still a leak if you use it.”
• “Gap is everyday. A technicality can be a loophole in court English. Exploit is the verb people use (and this course will not teach as a how-to). If the spirit of the rule is clear, using the gap is still a choice with a name.”

Good to know

A legal gap you can slip through. Everyday: gap. Pieces: loop + hole. Using it can still be a leak in substance.

Near in meaning

gap

New