1.
excuse; evasion; pretext; talking one's way out
An attempt to avoid responsibility or blame through words, excuses, or explanations that deflect the issue. Carries a negative connotation — the excuse is seen as dishonest or inadequate.
それはただの言い逃れだ。
That's just an excuse.
言い逃れはやめて、正直に話してください。
Stop making excuses and speak honestly.
証拠を突きつけられて、もう言い逃れができなくなった。
Confronted with evidence, he could no longer talk his way out of it.
USAGE:
Always negative in connotation. The speaker views the excuse as dishonest, insufficient, or evasive. Can also be used as a verb: 言い逃れる (to talk one's way out of something).
COMMON PATTERNS:
- 言い逃れをする (to make excuses)
- 言い逃れができない (to be unable to make excuses)
- ただの言い逃れ (just an excuse)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 言い訳: excuse — broader term, can be neutral or negative
- 弁解: justification, defense — more formal, implies defending one's actions
- 逃げ口上: evasive excuse — a prepared excuse to escape responsibility