后路 (hòu lù) — route of retreat; escape route; room to maneuver; a way out (figurative)

Definition

Examples

• 军队必须确保后路畅通。
  Jūn duì bì xū què bǎo hòu lù chàng tōng.
  The army must ensure the retreat route is clear.
• 做任何事都要给自己留条后路。
  Zuò rèn hé shì dōu yào gěi zì jǐ liú tiáo hòu lù.
  In everything you do, you should leave yourself a way out.
• 他说话很小心，总是给自己留后路。
  Tā shuō huà hěn xiǎo xīn, zǒng shì gěi zì jǐ liú hòu lù.
  He speaks very cautiously, always leaving himself room to maneuver.