Definition

Adjective Phrase: - Caught in a difficult, dangerous, or inescapable situation; obligated or responsible for something, often unwillingly. This phrase describes a state of being trapped, liable, or committed to a problematic or burdensome outcome.

Usage

This phrase is used to describe a person who is held responsible, accountable, or entangled in an unfavorable circumstance. It often implies a sense of obligation that is difficult to escape.

Examples

• Adjective Phrase:
  • After promising to help, he was on the hook for the entire project's success.
  • If the payment isn't made, you'll be on the hook for the late fees.
  • She felt on the hook to attend every meeting, even on weekends.

Advanced Usage

• "to be left on the hook": To be abandoned while still bearing responsibility.
  • His partner quit, leaving him on the hook for all the business debts.
• "to put/leave someone on the hook": To make someone responsible or liable.
  • The contract terms put the supplier on the hook for any delivery delays.

Variants and Related Words

• Hook, line, and sinker (idiom): To be completely deceived or persuaded.
  • He fell for the story hook, line, and sinker.
• Off the hook (adjective phrase): Freed from a difficult situation or responsibility.
  • The evidence proved his innocence, so he was off the hook.

Synonyms

• Liable: Legally responsible.
• Accountable: Required or expected to justify actions or decisions.
• Trapped: Unable to escape or avoid a situation.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Hook up (phrasal verb): To connect or meet with someone.
  • Let's hook up for coffee next week.
• Hook into (phrasal verb): To become connected to or involved with something.
  • The new software can hook into the existing database.

Related Idioms

• By hook or by crook: By any means possible, fair or unfair.
  • He was determined to win the contract by hook or by crook.
• Get off the hook: To escape from a difficult situation or avoid blame.
  • A last-minute alibi helped him get off the hook.

Adjective

1. caught in a difficult or dangerous situation
   • there I was back on the hook