At any rate, it gave an excuse for setting things in motion.

The comparatively-parsimonious new budget gave an excuse to get rid of those projects.

Neither did I, but I gave an excuse for coming to town -and here I am.

This was a mistake: it gave an excuse for an outburst from the platform against the media.

The fall was coming early that year, which gave an excuse for the fire in the big fireplace.

But Farquaharson gave an excuse.

That evening an east wind blowing up with a fine, driving rain, gave an excuse for a fire in the big fireplace.