escape hatch

American  

noun

1. a hatch used for emergency escape, as from a submarine or aircraft.

2. a means of avoiding a troublesome situation; a ready or handy way out.

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escape hatch British  

noun

1. a means of escape in an emergency, esp from a submarine

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Etymology

Origin of escape hatch

First recorded in 1920–25

Example Sentences

While the mechanics may be complicated, the upshot for savers is clear—anyone worried about declining saving account rates now has an escape hatch.

From Barron's • Dec. 11, 2025

There’s a reluctance baked into Bravo obsession, like an escape hatch one can use when their favorite shows start to dull — and they always will, even if their quality eventually turns back around.

From Salon • Dec. 2, 2025

Nor is resignation an escape hatch for most military officers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 27, 2025

Throughout the novel, Rhys references Kant, De Beauvoir, Sartre, Virginia Woolf and Epictetus, among others, using knowledge as a balm and escape hatch.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 6, 2025

“Exactly. I think the escape hatch is where the puzzle says the fire pit should be.”

From "The Smartest Kid in the Universe" by Chris Grabenstein

Related Words

• side door