Plug the loophole

[Ju]

The experts calls on authorities to plug the health loophole of foreigners not having received vaccination.

What is the meaning of "plug the loophole", please?

Thanks.

 

[SoothingDave]

"Close the loophole" is the common expression. Do you know what a "loophole" is?

 

[Ju]

"Close the loophole" is the common expression. Do you know what a "loophole" is?

Yes.

A small mistake in an agreement or law that gives someone the chance to avoid having to do something.

 

[emsr2d2]

So does it make more sense to you with "close the loophole"?

 

[Ju]

So does it make more sense to you with "close the loophole"?

So, we can use either "close" or "plug". Am I right?

 

[Yankee]

So, we can use either "close" or "plug". Am I right?

I have heard/read "plug" in that expression in Am.E. as often or maybe more often than "close".

 

[Rover_KE]

As the original loophole was "a small or narrow opening, as in a wall, for looking through, for admitting light and air, or, particularly in a fortification, for the discharge of missiles against an enemy outside" (Collins), it makes more sense to me to say plug it rather than close it.

I seem to be in a minority, though. [click]