申もうし開ひらき

noun

excuse; explanation; justification; defense

A formal or earnest explanation given to clear oneself of blame or suspicion; often used in contexts like 申し開きをする or 申し開きが立たない.

• 彼かれは遅ち刻こくの申もうし開ひらきを求もとめられた。

  He was asked to give an explanation for his tardiness.

• 証しょう拠こがなくては申もうし開ひらきが立たたない。

  Without evidence, I cannot offer a valid defense.