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3. have an out

have an out

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have an out

To have an excuse or a means of escaping (from something). I'm dreading going to my high school reunion. I hope I have an out by the time it rolls around! They left a clause in the contract so they had an out in case the deal went sour.

See also: have, out

have an out

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]

See also: have, out