off the hook

Idioms  

1. Also,. 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]

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Example Sentences

With Bielle-Biarrey having sent Ireland nervously scurrying back towards their line, Charles Ollivon knocked the ball on and let the men in green off the hook.

From BBC

I stand and take my jacket and Tigers cap off the hook by the door.

From Literature

Coal picked his backpack off the hook and went to the car.

From Literature

She believes that some people tried to conceal the truth - and says this lets them off the hook.

From BBC

On a call with analysts Wednesday, Miller said his phone was “ringing off the hook” from customers looking to drill in the country.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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