ichidan verb, transitive verb
explain away; talk one's way out of; answer evasively
Used when someone avoids giving a direct answer or makes excuses to escape a difficult situation or question.
彼は都合の悪い質問を言い抜けた。
He talked his way out of the awkward question.
ミスを指摘さ
When his mistake was pointed out, he skillfully explained it away and didn't apologize.