escape clause

American  

noun

1. a provision in a contract that enables a party to terminate contractual obligations in specified circumstances.

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escape clause British  

noun

1. a clause in a contract freeing one of the parties from his obligations in certain circumstances

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Etymology

Origin of escape clause

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

Through the Maastricht escape clause, countries can increase defense spending by up to 1.5% of GDP per year, amounting to as much as €500 billion in aggregate.

From MarketWatch • Feb. 17, 2026

It did have an escape clause that allowed the US to nix the deal if Afghan peace talks failed.

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2024

It had an escape clause: The U.S. could have withdrawn from the accord if Afghan peace talks failed.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 18, 2021

Kravtsov started the season at their minor-league affiliate in Hartford, then used an escape clause in his contract to return home to Russia to play on loan in the Kontinental Hockey League.

From New York Times • Nov. 3, 2019

I bet she wishes she had written an escape clause into the prenup.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson