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

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

Miller said Wednesday that his phone was “ringing off the hook” from customers looking to drill there.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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