This is the 12278th most frequent French word.
échappatoire
A means of escape or evasion.
The word 'échappatoire' is used here to indicate a means to circumvent or get around a rule or restriction.
Cette règle est stricte, mais il existe toujours une échappatoire.
This rule is strict, but there is always a loophole.
The word 'échappatoire' represents a method or means of escaping from a challenging or constraining situation.
Il cherchait une échappatoire dans cette situation difficile.
He was looking for a way out in this difficult situation.
Here, 'échappatoire' is used figuratively to describe a habit of evading responsibilities by making excuses.