Rules and the law B2
Talking about staying within the rules — and what happens when people don't.
Staying within the rules
follow the rules — obey rulesA: Why did you get in trouble?
B: I didn't follow the rules during the exam.
break the law — do something illegalA: Why did the police stop him?
B: He broke the law by driving without a license.
When people break them
crack down on — take strict action againstA: Have you noticed there are more police on the streets lately?
B: Yeah, the city is cracking down on illegal parking.
get away with — avoid punishmentA: Did you really skip the meeting?
B: Yeah, and I got away with it—my boss never found out.
let off — not punishA: Did you get in trouble for missing the meeting?
B: No, my boss let me off this time since I explained the situation.
turn a blind eye — ignore wrongdoingThe authorities chose to turn a blind eye to it. (neutral)
They just turned a blind eye, honestly. (casual)
Staying on the right side
Kim: Can I just park here for ten minutes, do you reckon?
Lee: I'd be careful — better to follow the rules than risk a fine.
Kim: Fair enough. I don't want to break the law over a coffee run.
Lee: Smart. There's a car park just round the corner anyway.
When people don't
Nora: Did they actually do anything about all the speeding on that road?
Sol: Finally, yeah — the council's started to crack down on it.
Nora: About time. Before, people could just get away with anything.
Sol: Right, not anymore. The cameras went up last month.
Looking the other way
Ravi: Half the market stalls don't have a licence, and nobody seems bothered.
Tess: I know — the inspectors basically turn a blind eye as long as it stays quiet.
Ravi: Feels a bit unfair on the ones who actually pay for theirs, doesn't it?
Tess: It does. Sooner or later someone's going to make a complaint.