One's cornered by large cat, needing rope

I believe the answer is:

life line

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(Other definitions for life line that I've seen before include "Means of escape from difficulties" , "Essential means of support" , "Essential item for continued existence" , "Rope to haul person out of water -- vital link" , "Rescue rope; meaningful feature in palmistry" .)

I've seen this clue in The Telegraph.

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