turn square corners

present singular third person turns square corners · participle present turning square corners · participle past turned square corners · past turned square corners

1. lawTo navigate through difficult regulatory or procedural requirements; to jump through hoops.

   1 more example

   In this case, the law’s terms ensure that, when the federal government seeks a procedural advantage against an individual, it will at least supply him with a single and reasonably comprehensive statement of the nature of the proceedings against him. If men must turn square corners when they deal with the government, it cannot be too much to expect the government to turn square corners when it deals with them.

   2020, Niz-Chavez v. Garland (U.S. Supreme Court No. 19–863), Justice Gorsuch majority opinion