The act of bypassing the elevator area at work, despite initial intentions of using it, because of a person / group of people loitering that you do not wish to associate or make small talk with.

Often the subject will use the plausible backup excuse of going to the toilet only to re-emerge when the coast is clear.
Man, I had to use the ole 'elevator escape clause' to bypass my boss. I like her and all, but we have nothing to say to each other. And the lift takes freaking ages to arrive to our level.
by the_elder July 26, 2009
Get the elevator escape clause mug.