Meanings

the smartest thing in a tight situation is to beat a retreat

don't miss it!

escapist literature

ping pong dash

to (prepare to) run away (from one's responsibilities, etc.)

at large

escape from reality

to fail to hear something

the biggest fish is always the one that got away

he that fights and runs away may live to fight another day

escape valve

escaping

fugitive from justice

fugitive from justice

evading military service

evading military service

clearance groove

to miss (train, boat)

profiting by escaping (from punishment, payment, etc.)

fly-by-night arranger