weasel clause
Contractual escape hatch
A weasel clause is contract language that allows one party to escape obligations or limit liability—named for the weasel's reputation for slipping through tight spaces.
Insurance policies and legal agreements often contain weasel clauses buried in fine print: The weasel clause let them cancel anytime without penalty.
- dodgeAvoid by quick movement
- fine printMiniature contractual text
- terms and conditionsContractual requirements and rules
- caveatWarning or qualification
- exceptionDeviation from standard
loophole · legal loophole · evasion · wriggle out · disclaimer · bad faith · legalese · ambiguity · equivocation · vagueness · hedging · wiggle room · out · subject to change · moral hazard · force majeure · opt-out · agreement