have an out

1. Have a means of escape or an excuse, as in I'm supposed to go to the meeting, but I have an out—Sam invited me first to come to his wedding. One can also give someone an out, as in She was hoping someone would give her an out; otherwise she'd be stuck visiting relatives all afternoon. [Slang; early 1900s]

Example Sentences

"Ted Lasso" has missed the opportunity — so far — to have an out athlete.

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In Oregon, Democrat Tina Kotek is in a high-profile gubernatorial race; both she and Healey offer the prospect that the U.S. would have an out lesbian as a governor for the first time.

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It’s not clear whether any or all of the investors who agreed to chip in $7.1 billion to fund Musk’s deal have an out.

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Joe looked relieved to have an out, and he nodded, grabbing the cell phone clipped to his waist.

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“It’s unseemly for somebody who doesn’t admit to then violate a gag order. They have an out — refuse to settle.”

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