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avenue of escape
/ˈævənuː əv ɪˈskeɪp/
possibility for avoiding danger
The prisoners saw no avenue of escape from the high-security prison.
The prisoners felt there was no way to get out of the prison.
formal
a possible way to avoid danger or a bad situation
After the storm, the town searched for an avenue of escape from the flooding.
The town looked for a way to avoid the flood damage.
The company explored every avenue of escape from bankruptcy.
The company considered all possible ways to avoid going bankrupt.
Often used metaphorically in non-literal contexts (e.g., financial, social, or emotional situations).
Collocations
avenue of escapea path or method to avoid harmlegal avenue of escapea lawful way to avoid punishmentno avenue of escapeno possible way to avoid a problem
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoiding Misuse
Do not use 'avenue of escape' for everyday problems like missing a bus or forgetting an appointment. It implies a serious or critical situation requiring a significant solution.
Gold Rule
Literal vs. Metaphorical Use
Use literally for physical escape routes (e.g., 'The tunnel provided an avenue of escape.'). Use metaphorically for abstract problems (e.g., 'She sought an avenue of escape from her stressful job.').
Word Origin
From Latin 'avenire' (to come to) + Old French 'avenue' (approach, path), combined with 'escape' from Latin 'ex-' (out) + 'scapere' (to slip away). The phrase emerged in English in the 17th century as a literal path for fleeing danger, later extending metaphorically.
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal or serious contexts. Avoid using in casual conversation unless referring to a dramatic or critical situation.
Word Breakdown
avenue
path or means
rootof escape
to get away
prepositional phraseEnglish Dictionary