loophole

[loop-hohl] /ˈlupˌhoʊl/
noun
1.
a small or narrow opening, as in a wall, for looking through, for admitting light and air, or, particularly in a fortification, for the discharge of missiles against an enemy outside.
2.
an opening or aperture.
3.
a means of escape or evasion; a means or opportunity of evading a rule, law, etc.:
There are a number of loopholes in the tax laws whereby corporations can save money.
verb (used with object), loopholed, loopholing.
4.
to furnish with loopholes.
Origin
1585-95; loop2 + hole
Examples from the web for loophole
  • It was unscrupulous labeling not a loophole in the regulation.
  • The only possible loophole is when someone claims to have had two legitimate emergencies during the semester, both on test days.
  • Skeptics insist, notwithstanding scientific evidence, that there could always be a catch or a loophole.
  • There's no sense in being a typical blogger, commenting on serious matters by trying to find every flaw and loophole in a story.
  • It's about closing a loophole that has enabled employers to get away with active discrimination.
  • That's an increasingly serious loophole given the role that these cards now play in our society.
  • It must be consistent with all prior observations yet expose a functional loophole.
  • They disapproved of the loophole, but rewarded the guy with the wit to exploit it.
  • It would be far better to spell out what you want to do than to leave this sort of loophole.
  • He's been talking with state lawmakers about how to close that loophole.
British Dictionary definitions for loophole

loophole

/ˈluːpˌhəʊl/
noun
1.
an ambiguity, omission, etc, as in a law, by which one can avoid a penalty or responsibility
2.
a small gap or hole in a wall, esp one in a fortified wall
verb
3.
(transitive) to provide with loopholes
Word Origin
C16: from loop² + hole
Word Origin and History for loophole
n.

also loop-hole, mid-15c., from Middle English loupe "opening in a wall" for shooting through or admitting light (c.1300), perhaps related to Middle Dutch lupen "to watch, peer;" + hole (n.). Figurative sense of "outlet, means of escape" is from 1660s.