Also, run foul of. Come into conflict with, as in If you keep parking illegally you'll run afoul of the police. This expression originated in the late 1600s, when it was applied to a vessel colliding or becoming entangled with another vessel, but at the same time it was transferred to non-nautical usage.

What is the meaning of ran afoul?

Definition of fall/run afoul of

chiefly US. : to get into trouble because of not obeying or following (the law, a rule, etc.) After leaving home he fell afoul of the law. an investor who has run afoul of stock market rules.

How do you use afoul in a sentence?

Afoul in a Sentence

1. The explorers had started their journey with little trouble, but they soon ran afoul of many troubles with the weather and terrain. 2. My snack on the beach was nice and all, until I ran afoul of the seagulls that were constantly trying to nab my food out of my hands.