YACD - cut me down to size

[Max Stats]

No I havent, but just found one ?*Destruction*
reluctant to waste it, if its a 100% lifesaver? Is it?

Should be, but only temporarily, as it affects only a certain area around you. Any monsters outside this area can infiltrate the destruction zone (especially ones that can bore through walls), but it should buy you at least a few turns to do something more lasting to save your life.

[Derakon]

Of all of your escapes, Destruction is the most reliable. Even if you're at +0 speed you're guaranteed to have several safe turns following its use in which nothing can hurt you. All of the various teleport spells can just land you in more hot water (including teleport level, though there at least you're guaranteed the first turn after you use it), and none of the other monster-removing spells will work on everything in the area.