get-out

[ get-out ]

noun

1. Commerce. the break-even point.
2. Chiefly British. a method or maneuver used to escape a difficult or embarrassing situation; cop-out:

   The scoundrel has used that get-out once too often.

get out

verb

1. to leave or escape or cause to leave or escape: used in the imperative when dismissing a person
2. to make or become known; publish or be published
3. tr to express with difficulty
4. troften foll byof to extract (information or money) (from a person)

   to get a confession out of a criminal

5. tr to gain or receive something, esp something of significance or value

   you get out of life what you put into it

6. foll by of to avoid or cause to avoid

   she always gets out of swimming

7. tr to solve (a puzzle or problem) successfully
8. cricket to dismiss or be dismissed

noun

1. an escape, as from a difficult situation
2. theatre the process of moving out of a theatre the scenery, props, and costumes after a production

Word History and Origins

Origin of get-out¹

First recorded in 1880–85; noun use of verb phrase get out

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. as all get-out, Informal. in the extreme; to the utmost degree:

   Once his mind is made up, he can be stubborn as all get-out.

Example Sentences

But they could employ a whole range of other get-out clauses within the FOI rules - known as “exemptions” - to either refuse release or to redact the papers down to blank pages.

From BBC

The Fight for $15 campaign, meanwhile, accused the board of letting McDonald's walk away "with a get-out of-jail-free card after illegally retaliating against low-paid workers who were fighting to be paid enough to feed their families" in a statement posted on X.

From Salon

At least one union believes this caveat is actually a get-out clause, and is still seeking clarification on what rights employers will have to refuse regular contracts, and to refuse requests for flexible working or compressed hours.

From BBC

“I started doing a deep dive of his films. In the final number of ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ there’s this moment that is ’70s as all get-out with the Afros and the fashion,” Brewer said.

From Los Angeles Times

She and her husband are taking an opportunity for further training in Newscastle in England, but said she "would be lying if I said we weren't actively looking our get-out plan."

From BBC

Related Words

• avoid
• break out
• go
• leave
• take off