- Freed from blame, responsibility, obligation, or a difficult situation.
Explanation
Origin
- Likely comes from fishing imagery: a fish that escapes from the hook is free.
- Metaphorically, it means escaping a situation where one was caught or obligated.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Dodged a bullet. (Avoided a negative outcome)
- Got lucky.
- Scot-free. (Escaping without any punishment or harm)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Got their ass saved.
Milder/Formal:
- Released from obligation.
- Absolved of responsibility.
- No longer required to.
Situational Appropriateness
- Common in informal and semi-formal settings.
- Generally acceptable in workplace conversations about tasks or minor issues.
- Might sound too informal for very serious legal or official exoneration, where terms like exonerated or cleared might be preferred.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Can also mean a phone receiver is literally not on its cradle (The phone's off the hook). Context usually makes the intended meaning clear.
- Can also mean (esp. in slang/AAVE) something is excellent or amazing (That party was off the hook!). This usage is distinct from being freed from obligation. Pay attention to context.
Examples
- The charges were dropped, so he's off the hook.
- I thought I'd have to work late, but my boss said I was off the hook.
- Thanks for covering my shift, you really let me off the hook.
Dialogue
Chris: Did you finish that report that was due today?
Jamie: I didn't have to! Sarah finished it early and said I was off the hook.
Chris: Wow, lucky you! I'm still working on mine.
Jamie: Phew, yeah, major relief.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Meeting cancelled! I'm off the hook for that presentation I didn't prepare for. 😂 #luckyday
- Post: Friend covered my bar shift tonight so I could go to the concert. You let me off the hook, mate! Cheers! 🍻
- Comment: Looks like the investigation cleared him, so he's off the hook legally.
Response Patterns
- Relief/Gratitude (if the speaker is the one let off): Phew! / Oh, thank goodness! / You're a lifesaver!
- Acknowledgement (if someone else is off the hook): That's lucky. / Good for them.
- Questioning (if surprised): Really? How?
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone is said to be off the hook:
- People might ask for details: How did that happen? / Why aren't they responsible anymore?
- Express relief or surprise.
If someone thanks you for letting them off the hook:
- A common response is: No problem. / Happy to help. / Don't worry about it.
Conversation Starter
- No. Describes the resolution of a situation involving responsibility or blame.
Intonation
- Stress often falls on off and hook.
- Usually said with a tone of relief or indicating liberation.
- You're OFF the HOOK.
Generation Differences
- Widely understood and used across generations.
Regional Variations
- Universally used in English-speaking regions.