Off the hook
phrase
Released or absolved from a difficult situation.
Since John finished his project on time, he is now off the hook.
Often appears as...
- get off the hook
- let someone off the hook
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Not being bothered or annoyed by persistent phone calls.
I unplugged my phone so I could be off the hook for the night.
Often appears as...
- phone off the hook
- take the phone off the hook
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
In an enthusiastic or excited state.
The party was off the hook!
Often appears as...
- party off the hook
- music was off the hook
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Colloquial
phrase
Released or absolved from a difficult situation.
Since John finished his project on time, he is now off the hook.
Often appears as...
- get off the hook
- let someone off the hook
Usage tips
Idiomatic
phrase
Not being bothered or annoyed by persistent phone calls.
I unplugged my phone so I could be off the hook for the night.
Often appears as...
- phone off the hook
- take the phone off the hook
Usage tips
Colloquial
phrase
In an enthusiastic or excited state.
The party was off the hook!
Often appears as...
- party off the hook
- music was off the hook
Usage tips
Informal, Approving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Escape Responsibility
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 2/3Problem 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 3/3Not 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.
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