English idiom

off the hook

Register · Informal CEFR B2

Post

Figurative meaning

freed from blame, responsibility, or an unpleasant obligation

Why this phrase?

A person escaping a problem is compared to a fish released from a hook.

Example

“The canceled meeting let me off the hook for giving the presentation.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

get something off your chest

To finally say something that has been worrying you, so you feel relieved.

face the music

To accept the unpleasant consequences of your actions.

foot the bill

To pay for something, especially something expensive.

it takes two to tango

both parties are responsible for a situation

on one's hands

as one's responsibility or problem to deal with

saved by the bell

rescued from an awkward situation at the last moment

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

External links

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