escape hatch

• Issue de secours physique permettant de quitter rapidement un avion, un sous-marin ou un autre espace clos ; également employé au sens figuré pour désigner un moyen de sortir d'une situation difficile ou dangereuse.

A physical emergency exit from an aircraft, submarine, or other enclosed space; also used figuratively to describe a way out of a difficult or dangerous situation.

1. Emergency exitB1formal

   A door or opening in a structure, such as a submarine, aircraft, or building, used for emergency evacuation.

   issue de secours

   • The submarine crew used the escape hatch to evacuate.
   • The aircraft has an escape hatch above the cockpit.
   • In case of fire, use the escape hatch at the rear of the building.

2. Figurative way outB2informal

   A means of avoiding a difficult or unpleasant situation.

   issue de secours (au sens figuré)

   • He saw the new job offer as an escape hatch from his boring routine.
   • The contract included an escape hatch clause for early termination.
   • She used her savings as an escape hatch from her financial troubles.