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

When there was, we’d wade out, take it off the hook, and bait that hook again.

From Literature

Because while Inter Milan believes it has a story to tell, AC Milan has locked the doors, drawn the drapes and taken the phone off the hook.

From Los Angeles Times

In the same breath, Arenas refuses to let himself off the hook.

From Los Angeles Times

Teddy and I took an impromptu day trip to the beach, so you’re off the hook for babysitting this afternoon.

From Literature

Its first scene was to turn George Dobson's card from a yellow into a red, leaving the Championship hosts with 10 men and Chelsea off the hook going into extra time.

From BBC

Related Words

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