end run

[ end ruhn ]

noun

1. Football. Also called end sweep, a running play in which the ball-carrier attempts to outflank the defensive end.
2. Informal.
   1. an evasive or diversionary maneuver.
   2. an attempt to surmount a difficulty without confronting it directly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of end run¹

An Americanism dating back to 1900–05

Idioms and Phrases

Evasive action, as in The new department head was making an end run around the old hands who opposed her appointment . This term comes from American football, where it denotes an offensive play in which the ball carrier runs around one end of the opposing team's line. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

“This is an end run,” said Shira Scheindlin, the former federal judge who issued the ruling that led to the federal consent decree.

From Salon

But the proposal garnered fierce early opposition from some local leaders, concerned the group was making an end run around the planning process, as well as environmental groups concerned about the loss of natural habitat.

From Los Angeles Times

Texas isn't the only red state to attempt such an end run around democracy and majority rule.

From Salon

In this case, Democrats and Republicans are attempting an end run around Speaker Mike Johnson to force a vote on legislation that would provide tax relief to victims of disasters around the country.

From New York Times

The company’s lawsuit thus amounts to an end run around the law.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• baffle
• bamboozle
• circumvent
• deceive
• outdo
• outfox
• outmaneuver