| beg off(verb, expression, phrasal verb) |
| claim(noun, verb, maintain, favor, trick) |
| cloak(noun, verb, appearance, cover, show) |
| commute(verb, drop, clear, release, free) |
| concession(noun, regret, dismissal, confession) |
| cop out(verb, expression, withdraw, abandon, quit) |
| cover story(noun, expression, cause, reason, escape) |
| device(noun, cause, trick, con, pretense) |
| disguise(noun, verb, appearance, cover, show) |
| dismissal(noun, dismissal) |
| dispense from(verb, expression, pardon, forgive, justify) |
| ease(verb, cover, moderate, diminish, lessen) |
| exempt from(verb, expression, pardon, forgive, justify) |
| explain away(verb, expression, phrasal verb, deliberate, justify) |
| feint(noun, cause, con, pretense, ruse) |
| give absolution(verb, expression, pardon, forgive, justify) |
| gloze(verb, cover, ease, moderate, diminish) |
| ground(noun, cause, reason, spur, basis) |
| liberty(noun, break, time, event, opening) |
| mea culpa(noun, expression, statement, regret, confession) |