end run

1 of 2

noun

1

: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end of the line

specifically : sweep sense 3e

2

: an evasive trick or maneuver

made an end run around the regulations

end-run

2 of 2

verb

ˈend-ˌrən 

end-ran; end-running; end-runs

transitive verb

: to avoid artfully

end-running the law

Examples of end run in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

In April of 2024, voucher supporters tried an end run around the petition. —Peter Greene, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

Thus, the law sought to make an end run around Young by preventing state officials from directly enforcing the law. —Ian Millhiser, Vox, 15 Aug. 2024

Verb

The writs aren’t intended to be an end-run around existing statutes but simply to give courts a tool to enforce existing statutory authorities, particularly when there is a gap in what those statutes cover. —Kim Zetter, WIRED, 25 Feb. 2016

This gap creates an easy end-run around the law’s protections: companies that are barred from selling data to the government directly can effectively launder it through data brokers. —Elizabeth Goitein, Foreign Affairs, 6 June 2023

Word History

First Known Use

Noun

1902, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Verb

1952, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

end run

noun

: a football play in which the ballcarrier attempts to run wide around the end