Sorrysayer

A student of Catastrophe Theory, it's never surprised me how suddenly a 'Pythonic' 5-minute argument can turn into the full half-hour! Moreover, how easy it is to become frozen in opposing positions, with no little door of escape. Then, it's a helluva job to unscramble the situation without recourse to bribery and eternal umble pie-eating.

My solution has served me well thus far. I am a sorrysayer. I am the one to apologise, whoever's the guilty one - which is rarely so clearly definable.

Crossword clue: - saying it costs nothing and gets you out of trouble. [5 letters]