The term 'escape hatch' is a phrase used to describe an emergency EXIT or way out of a difficult situation. In this crossword, the solutions for the term are 'EGRESS' (6 letters) and 'EXIT' (4 letters). EGRESS is defined as the act of leaving or departing, while EXIT is defined as a way out or passage out of a place. Both words can be used to describe an escape hatch, which is a means of quickly leaving a dangerous or uncomfortable situation.