escape clause

American  

noun

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

---

escape clause British  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of escape clause

First recorded in 1940–45

Example Sentences

The agreement intended to bind the Athletics to Las Vegas provides the team with an unusual escape clause: If ever a tax is aimed at the A’s, the team can leave town without penalty.

From Los Angeles Times

However, the agreement intended to bind the A’s to Las Vegas provides the team with an unusual escape clause: If ever a tax is aimed at the A’s, the team can leave town without penalty.

From Los Angeles Times

But there’s an escape clause written into the deal: Trump can seek a waiver of the lockup from the post-merger board.

From Los Angeles Times

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

From BBC

There was only one problem: The deal spanned 12 years and had no escape clause late in the term, according to a source.

From Seattle Times