alibi

Evidence that someone was somewhere else when a crime happened.

• She has a solid alibi.
• The police checked his alibi for the night of the murder.
• Two witnesses confirmed that his alibi was true.

How to use it: an alibi for something (He had an alibi for the time of the robbery.)

Common phrases: have an alibi, a solid alibi, check an alibi

A reason given to avoid blame or punishment for something.

• Being busy was her usual alibi.
• He invented an alibi to escape punishment.
• The manager refused to accept another alibi for the delay.

How to use it: an alibi for something (He used tiredness as an alibi for his poor work.)

Similar words: excuse

Common phrases: a convenient alibi, use an alibi, an alibi for failure