言(い)い逃(のが)れ

いいのがれ
noun
excuse; evasion; pretext
communication
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)い逃(のが)れだ。
That's just an excuse.
言(い)い逃(のが)れはやめて、正直(しょうじき)に話(はな)してください。
Stop making excuses and speak honestly.
証拠(しょうこ)を突(つ)きつけられて、もう言(い)い逃(のが)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)い逃(のが)れる (to talk one's way out of something).

Common patterns

  • 言(い)い逃(のが)れをする (to make excuses)
  • 言(い)い逃(のが)れができない (to be unable to make excuses)
  • ただの言(い)い逃(のが)れ (just an excuse)

Similar words

  • 言(い)い訳(わけ): excuse — broader term, can be neutral or negative
  • 弁解(べんかい): justification, defense — more formal, implies defending one's actions
  • 逃(に)げ口上(こうじょう): evasive excuse — a prepared excuse to escape responsibility

Related Words

Synonym: 言(い)い訳(わけ) (excuse (general))
Compare: 弁解(べんかい) (justification, defense)
general
Added 2026.3.15 11:19 · Revised 2026.9.4 21:29
16500/16946_iinogare