off the hook
Meaning(s)
1. out of trouble or free from an obligation, very fun or cool
Popularity
High
Professional
High
Social
How to Memorize
let someone off the hook too easily for something
Analysis
To be off the hook means to no longer be in difficulty or trouble or to be relieved from an obligation. With old telephones which have a receiver- to leave the phone off the hook means to take the phone off the receiver so that it is unable to receive incoming calls. If you say a phone has been ringing 'off the hook' it means the line has been so busy you have not had an opportunity to put it down. If you are off the hook, it means you have gotten away with something or are no longer responsible for something.
Social Examples (Advance)
- I can't believe that the police only gave Kevin a warning for what he did. If you ask me, they let him off the hook far too easily there.
- The concert last night was off the hook! That band really know how to put on a show.
Professional Examples (Advance)
- I was dreading having to sit in that meeting for the next two hours, but Karl said he would fill in for me so I'm off the hook!
- I thought I was in for a dressing down after last months poor sales figures. My head of department didn't say anything yet so I might be off the hook.