off the hook

Idioms and Phrases

Also, get or let off the hook . Released (or be released) from blame or annoying obligation, as in He was out of town during the robbery so he was off the book , or I don't know how the muggers got off the hook , or Once they found the real culprit, they let Mary off the hook . This idiom alludes to the fish that manages to free itself from the angler's hook and get away. [Mid-1800s]

Related Words

• able
• at large
• clear
• easy
• independent
• loose
• open
• unfettered
• unrestricted