Used when someone avoids consequences they were expected to face. He thought he would be grounded, but he was off the hook because his parents never found out.
Pro Tip 2/3
Problem Solved
Suggests that a problematic situation has been resolved, releasing the person involved. Once the error was corrected, the technician was off the hook.
Pro Tip 3/3
Not Literal
This phrase is metaphorical and doesn't involve actual hooks or hanging objects. Even though Shelly helped, I'm not off the hook for this mess.