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break the rules

[breɪk ðə rulz]
verb phrase
quebrar as regras
1. to violate or disobey established rules, regulations, or laws
The student broke the rules by using a phone during the exam.
O aluno quebrou as regras ao usar um telefone durante a prova.
2. to act in a way that goes against established norms or expectations
She broke the rules by wearing casual clothes to the formal dinner.
Ela quebrou as regras ao usar roupas casuais para o jantar formal.
NYC Slang
go rogue, go against the grain
Synonyms
violate the rulesdisobey the rulesinfringe the rulestransgressflout
Antonyms
follow the rulesobey the rulescomply with the rulesadhere to the rules

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
quebrar as regras
most common usage in Brazil
Rio de Janeiro
quebrar as regras
standard usage, can also say 'infringir as regras'
São Paulo
quebrar as regras
formal and informal contexts
Portugal
quebrar as regras
also 'infringir as regras' or 'violar as regras' more formal

Related Idioms & Phrases

bend the rules
play by the rules
make up the rules
rule of thumb
the golden rule
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