give (someone) an out
give (someone) an out
To provide someone with an excuse or a means of escaping (from something). I know John is dreading going to his high school reunion, so I'm looking for a way to give him an out by the time it rolls around. They left a clause in the contract that would give them an out in case the deal went sour.
See also: give, out
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
- have an out
- excuse
- use (someone or something) as an excuse (for something)
- use as an excuse
- going to see Mrs. Murphy
- come to an end
- untimely
- excuse (one) for (something)
- excuse for
- It won't wash!