a Houdini (act)

A sudden disappearance, typically so as to escape from someone or something. Refers to US magician Harry Houdini, who was known for his ability to escape from things such as straitjackets, handcuffs, underwater chests, etc. My kids always do a Houdini act when I tell them it's time for their chores. I thought things were going pretty well with Beth, but after our fourth date together when I asked her to be my girlfriend, she suddenly pulled a Houdini on me. The three of us decided to do a Houdini, heading for the Mexican border so we could leave this all behind us.