bend the rules
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To allow something to be done which is technically against the rules or not normally accepted. It's galling to know that the management team, who are so strict with the lower-level employees, all bend the rules to give themselves more vacation time and bigger bonuses. You're normally not allowed to take an exam if you arrive late, but because of the student's excuse, his teacher bent the rules for him.
bend the rules
COMMON If you bend the rules, you do something which is not allowed, either to help someone else or for your own advantage. The river authorities said they were willing to bend the rules for us and allowed us to go ahead. The rules are often bent to ensure a good show. Note: You can also say that you stretch the rules. He accused the company of stretching the sport's rules to the limit.