Synonyms

off the hook

Idioms

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]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Still, as long as it’s not ringing off the hook, Luna is enjoying picking up the phone.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 6, 2026

If your tax preparer files your return late, you aren’t off the hook from a late-filing penalty.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

He wants to see proof that the DOJ was given inaccurate information by ICE before he lets its lawyers off the hook.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

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

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

“Now get that little saucepan off the hook and tip them in,” he told her.

From "The Subtle Knife" by Philip Pullman

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023