on the hook
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- caught in a difficult or dangerous situation
- there I was back on the hook