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

“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 • Apr. 30, 2022

I knew I was in trouble but I felt serene, peaceful and while I did not have an out of body experience at no time was I fearful or anxious.

From Salon • Apr. 5, 2020

But if the destination part was decided later, I think you have an out.

From Washington Post • Nov. 11, 2015

"He should have gone further south. We are taught that you have to have an out, even if you have to make a huge loop around."

From Reuters • Oct. 8, 2015

Who knows what’s what now, and I hate that I already have an out to these problems.

From "They Both Die at the End" by Adam Silvera