Defying Norms

to do something that is not strictly according to rules, often by making exceptions

She often bends the rules to give her students more opportunities for creativity.

in a situation where there is clear proof of one's crime or wrongdoing

The detective has the suspect dead to rights with the murder weapon in his possession.

a piece of evidence that is used to prove someone's crimes or wrong deeds

The detective uncovers a document that is the smoking gun, revealing the suspect's direct involvement in the conspiracy.

to confront someone very powerful or dangerous in their area of control and strength, where they hold the advantage

She decides to beard the lion in his den by confronting the powerful CEO about unethical business practices.

to publicly oppose a group or party that one has been a member of

The soldier decides to break ranks and voice his disagreement with the military strategy.

to ignore red traffic lights and move past them

He often jumps the light and risks getting a traffic ticket.

used to refer to a situation in which people are willing to do whatever it takes to succeed

In the competitive business world, it's the law of the jungle, where only the strongest survive.

a place in which rules and laws are not followed or obeyed

That neighborhood is like a place in which rules and laws are not followed or obeyed; there is rampant disorder and disregard for regulations.

to try to unfairly move past a group of people lining up somewhere before one's turn arrives

The impatient customer tries to jump the line, causing frustration among the other waiting customers.

used for saying that a free or unreasonably cheap product is not obtained legally

He often buys goods off the back of a truck, even though he knows they might be stolen.

(of a soldier) having left one's military duty without being permitted to do so

The soldier is knowingly AWOL, disregarding the consequences of leaving without permission.

an unannounced and unauthorized absence from a job, workplace, or other commitment

He frequently takes French leave from work, leaving his colleagues to handle his responsibilities.

to secretly put a drug in a person's drink in order to make them unconscious

He frequently tries to slip unsuspecting victims a Mickey during parties, causing harm and distress.

a vivid and often bizarre hallucination that a person may experience, typically as a result of heavy drinking or drug use

He often sees pink elephants whenever he drinks too much.

used to refer to something is not currently appropriate, popular, or available due to being outside of its usual time or season

The restaurant was serving pumpkin spice lattes in May, which were out of season and not on the menu.