an ambiguity (especially one in the text of a law or contract) that makes it possible to evade a difficulty or obligation
a small hole in a fortified wall; for observation or discharging weapons
例句
用作名词 (n.)
Another had been shot at a loophole in the very act of firing into the house, and now lay in agony, the pistol still smoking in his hand. 另一个海盗企图在枪眼向屋里射击时，自己中弹倒在了地上，此刻正痛苦地躺在那里，手中的枪还在冒烟。
If the mutineers succeeded in crossing the stockade, he argued, they would take possession of any unprotected loophole, and shoot us down like rats in our own stronghold. 他说，如果叛乱分子越过了栅栏，他们会占据任何无人守卫的枪眼，然后像打耗子一样将我们全都射死在我们自己的堡垒里。
A good lawyer can always find a loophole. 精明的律师总能找到漏洞。
The tax-free gift to the spouse is a perfectly legal loophole. 赠与配偶的礼物是免税的，这是一个天衣无缝的法律漏洞。
经典引文
We would have to find some legal loophole..to get supplies..here quickly.
美
['luːphoʊl]
