"Sorry, I can't make it to X - because of family problems." It's an excuse that makes it possible to get out of loads of things, because most people will just n

"Sorry, I can't make it to X - because of family problems." It's an excuse that makes it possible to get out of loads of things, because most people will just nod and say "ok, sure, I understand" and question no further. First heard it used when attending a 5-day TEFL course; one student had decided that it was a waste of time, so skipped the last day by using this excuse. (He had enough attendance to pass). I've only used it once, since it feels slightly unethical, but it's very effective.