die Ausrede
Translation
excuse, pretext, subterfuge
Examples
Er hatte immer eine gute Ausrede.
He always had a good excuse.
Das ist nur eine billige Ausrede.
That is just a cheap excuse.
Grammar Patterns
to have/look for an excuse for sth. He is looking for an excuse for being late.
Similar Words
Vorwand (pretext), Entschuldigung (apology, excuse)
Etymology
From 'aus-' (out) + 'Rede' (speech). Literally, a 'speech to get out' of a situation.
Memory Tips
Think of it as an 'out-speech'. You're speaking your way out of trouble.