Stretching the rules is something people often do, but there are various synonyms you can use to describe it. For example, you could say someone is bending the rules, twisting the rules, or even skirting around the rules. Alternatively, someone might be pushing the boundaries, testing the limits, or going beyond what is allowed. Some people might describe this behavior as exploiting loopholes or finding shortcuts, while others might accuse someone of breaking the rules altogether. Whatever term you choose, it's clear that stretching the rules typically involves trying to gain an advantage or circumvent established protocols.