offramps
Freeway departure lanes
Offramps are the exit lanes that carry traffic off a highway or freeway.
The singular offramp (also spelled off-ramp) is one such exit.
Figuratively, an offramp is any way out of a difficult situation: The negotiators are looking for an offramp to end the conflict.
The metaphor suggests a graceful exit rather than a sudden stop.
Exit from main road
- interchangeReciprocal transfer between parties
- junctionPoint where things meet
- cloverleafLooped highway junction
- mergeCombine into unity
fork · split · diverge · bypass · connector · detour · signage · slip road
Bridge spanning a road
- underpassRoad passing below another
- flyoverElevated road crossing
- viaductArched span crossing valleys
- bridgeStructure spanning an obstacle
cloverleaf · interchange · roundabout · tunnel · culvert · guardrail · retaining wall · embankment
Excessive accumulation causing blockage
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
- slowdownReduction in pace
- mergeCombine into unity
- laneDesignated travel strip
signal · navigation · commute · gridlock · backup · weaving · braking · deceleration
Highway without tolls
- motorwayHigh-speed divided highway
- expresswayLimited-access highway
- turnpikeFee-charging highway
- interstateBetween political regions
beltway · bypass · arterial · thoroughfare · carriageway · tollway · autobahn · superhighway
Flight from captivity
- exit strategyPreplanned departure method
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- disengagementWithdrawal from involvement
- transitionChange from one state
pivot · opt-out · bailout · alternative · way out · escape hatch · fallback · retreat
turnoff
Exit from main road
- interchangeReciprocal transfer between parties
- junctionPoint where things meet
- cloverleafLooped highway junction
merge · fork · split · diverge · bypass · connector · detour · signage · slip road · exit sign
overpass
Bridge spanning a road
bridge · cloverleaf · interchange · roundabout · tunnel · culvert · guardrail · retaining wall · embankment · grading
congestion
Excessive accumulation causing blockage
- bottleneckConstriction limiting throughput
- slowdownReduction in pace
- mergeCombine into unity
lane · signal · navigation · commute · gridlock · backup · weaving · braking · deceleration · queuing
freeway
Highway without tolls
- motorwayHigh-speed divided highway
- expresswayLimited-access highway
- turnpikeFee-charging highway
interstate · beltway · bypass · arterial · thoroughfare · carriageway · tollway · autobahn · superhighway · parkway
escape
Flight from captivity
- exit strategyPreplanned departure method
- withdrawalAct of taking away
- disengagementWithdrawal from involvement
transition · pivot · opt-out · bailout · alternative · way out · escape hatch · fallback · retreat · stepping back
offrampsonramps
Highway entrance lanes
on-ramps · entry points · slip roads · merge lanes · entrances