have an out

Idioms  

1. Have a means of escape or an excuse, as in I'm supposed to go to the meeting, but I have an out—Sam invited me first to come to his wedding. One can also give someone an out, as in She was hoping someone would give her an out; otherwise she'd be stuck visiting relatives all afternoon. [Slang; early 1900s]

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Example Sentences

“Knowing you have an out if you need one, and maintaining your boundaries, helps you be more emotionally available for the time you do spend with your loved ones,” said Dr. Carlos Saavedra, a psychiatrist in New York.

From Salon

"Ted Lasso" has missed the opportunity — so far — to have an out athlete.

From Salon

In Oregon, Democrat Tina Kotek is in a high-profile gubernatorial race; both she and Healey offer the prospect that the U.S. would have an out lesbian as a governor for the first time.

From Seattle Times

It’s not clear whether any or all of the investors who agreed to chip in $7.1 billion to fund Musk’s deal have an out.

From New York Times

“It’s unseemly for somebody who doesn’t admit to then violate a gag order. They have an out — refuse to settle.”

From New York Times