play hooky

Idioms and Phrases

Be absent from school or some other obligation without permission, as in It was such a beautiful day that Herb played hooky from work . In this term, the noun hooky may have come from the phrase hook it , meaning “escape.” [Mid-1800s]

Example Sentences

That he naturally despised the articles of such a soulless faith was evident in his constant inclination to play hooky.

From Project Gutenberg

To play hooky and go nutting is far better than to study and fit himself for earning a livelihood.

From Project Gutenberg

There was enough to do in town, and it wasn't fair for him to play hooky while Zarek worked alone.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• avoid
• depart
• disappear
• dodge
• elude
• emerge
• evade
• flee
• fly
• leave
• run
• slip
• slip away
• vanish