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.
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]