What does “Off the hook” mean?
"Off the hook" means that someone is no longer in trouble or responsible for something.
What context can I use the in?
Example
He was off the hook after his alibi was confirmed.
Example
The police let him go, declaring him off the hook for the crime.
Example
She was relieved to be off the hook for organizing the event
Is “Off the hook” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Off the hook” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “Off the hook” effectively in context?
You can use "Off the Hook" to describe a situation where someone is no longer in trouble or no longer responsible for something. It often implies a sense of relief or freedom from a burden. For example, if a friend was worried about being blamed for a mistake at work, you might say, 'Don't worry, the boss found out it wasn't your fault, so you're off the hook.'
- 1Legal Matters
He was off the hook after his alibi was confirmed.
- 2Law Enforcement
The police let him go, declaring him off the hook for the crime.
- 3Responsibilities
She was relieved to be off the hook for organizing the event.
Similar phrases to “Off the hook”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Off the hook” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Off the Hook" is unknown.
Is “Off the hook” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Off the Hook" is a commonly used idiom in everyday conversation. People often use it to express relief or to describe a situation where someone is no longer held accountable for something.
What tone does “Off the hook” have?
"Off the Hook" conveys a tone of relief and freedom. It's often used in a positive context to indicate that someone has been spared from a negative consequence or responsibility.
Can “Off the hook” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Off the Hook" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that conveys the idea of being relieved or no longer responsible for something. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He was relieved to be off the hook for the mistake.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Phew, I'm finally "off the hook"!' to express relief.
