wiggle room

[rainous]

Feeling threatened by his suppressive and overbearing tone, I told him I would think about it, leaving a little wiggle room for him to think that I might take the job so he would let me go, and rushed out of there.

Hi,

I am trying to find a expression that can replace "wiggle room" which i don't think dovetails with my intention.

The only reason I put "wiggle room" there is because i couldn't think of better expression.

I would greatly appreciate any help I could get.

By reading the context, I am pretty sure you will know what I am trying to say.

[5jj]

Room for manoeuvre (BrE) / maneuver (AmE) ?.

[waflob]

leeway?
(also gives you a nice alliteration )

[SlickVic9000]

*Not a Teacher*

Might I suggest "breathing room"?

[JohnParis]

Feeling threatened by his suppressive and overbearing tone, I told him I would think about it. I figured if he thought I was going to take the job, I’d have enough time to rush out of there.