exit strategy

exit strategy (plural exit strategies)

1. (usually military, politics or business) A well-defined plan for bringing involvement in a mission, activity, or commitment to an acceptable conclusion.
   • 1993 Oct. 18, Michael Kramer, "The Political Interest It's All Foreign to Clinton," Time:

     Seeking an exit strategy before sailing in harm's way is smart, but it must be related to the mission's goal.

   • 2005 Feb. 1, David E. Sanger and Steven R. Weisman, "In U.S., White House and the Democrats Seek an Edge," New York Times (retrieved June 30 2011):

     "But most of all, we need an exit strategy so that we know what victory is and how we can get there."

   • 2009 Feb. 26, David Lawsky, "Silicon Valley: down but not out?," Forbes (retrieved June 30 2011):

     Mergers, acquisitions and IPOs are no longer a reliable exit strategy with capital markets tanking and buyers wary.

• exit policy

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