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

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 • Aug. 5, 2023

Just as my husband and I approached the 50-year mark, I began thinking there needed to be an escape clause.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 17, 2022

But Howard added an escape clause: Pollard would ride only if he was fit to do so.

From "Seabiscuit: An American Legend" by Laura Hillenbrand