off the hook
Definition
- Adjective phrase:
- Freed from danger, blame, or obligation: The phrase describes a state of being released or excused from a difficult situation, responsibility, or accusation.
Usage
The phrase "off the hook" is used to indicate that someone is no longer in trouble, no longer required to do something, or no longer considered responsible for a problem. It often follows verbs like "let," "get," or "be."
Examples
- Adjective phrase:
- After explaining the misunderstanding, she was off the hook for the missing report.
- The manager let the employee off the hook for being late this one time.
- I thought I had to host the meeting, but I got off the hook when my colleague volunteered.
Advanced Usage
- "to be off the hook": to be free from a previous obligation or predicament.
- With the deadline extended, the entire team is off the hook for now.
- "to get off the hook": to manage to escape blame or a difficult situation.
- He got off the hook by providing a solid alibi.
- "to let someone off the hook": to decide not to punish or blame someone.
- The teacher let the students off the hook and canceled the pop quiz.
Variants and Related Words
- Off the hook (Idiomatic, informal): Can also mean something is exceptionally good or exciting, especially in informal contexts like music (e.g., "That new song is off the hook!"), though the primary definition relates to being excused.
- Scot-free (Adverb): Without suffering any punishment or injury.
- The suspect got away scot-free.
Synonyms
- Exonerated: Cleared from blame or guilt.
- Absolved: Formally released from blame, obligation, or sin.
- Excused: Allowed to be absent or forgiven for a fault.
Related Idioms
- Out of the woods: Safe from danger or difficulty.
- The patient is recovering but isn't out of the woods yet.
- Home free: Having successfully passed the main difficulties.
- Once you pass the final exam, you're home free.
Notes
The phrase originates from fishing, where a fish that is "off the hook" has escaped capture. This imagery is extended metaphorically to situations where a person escapes an unwanted commitment or consequence.
Adjective
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freed from danger or blame or obligation
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I let him off the hook with a mild reprimand
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