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

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

Nor is resignation an escape hatch for most military officers.

From The Wall Street Journal

Red warning lights flash above the door, and inside there is an emergency escape hatch into a tunnel in case something goes wrong.

From BBC

Red warning lights flash above the door, and inside there is an emergency escape hatch into a tunnel in case something went wrong.

From BBC

Related Words

• side door