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off the hook

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*off the hook

Fig. freed from an obligation. (Alludes to a fish freeing itself from a fishhook. *Typically: be ~; get ~; get someone ~; let someone ~.) Thanks for getting me off the hook. I didn't want to attend that meeting. I couldn't get myself off the hook no matter what I tried.

See also: hook, off

off the hook

having avoided a difficult situation He's just happy to be off the hook on that harassment charge.

Usage notes: often used with the verbs get or let: She got him off the hook by lending him her class notes.

See also: hook, off

off the hook

Also, get or let off the hook . 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]

See also: hook, off

off the hook

1. mod. no longer in jeopardy; no longer obligated. I’ll let you off the hook this time, but never again.

2. mod. crazy. (Referring to the telephone—disconnected.) She’s so ditzy—really off the hook.

See also: hook, off

off the hook

Informal

Freed, as from blame or a vexatious obligation: let me off the hook with a mild reprimand.

See also: hook, off