Bending the rules suggests a minor or cunning alteration rather than outright breaking them.

Subtle Disobedience

The phrase is often used in contexts where rules may seem too rigid or impractical.

Situational Ethics

It's sometimes viewed positively, as a way to achieve a greater good or fairness.

Stretching the rules conveys a slight breach but with an awareness of limits.

Often done for self-benefit but not to a degree that severely undermines the system.

It can indicate using personal relationships to gain a bending of rules.