student asking question

What does "off the hook" mean? What is the origin of this phrase, maybe from fishing?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

"Off the hook" is a casual phrase meaning to "no longer be in trouble/difficulty" or when someone is not responsible for something that has happened. In the clip, the man is saying he is "off the hook" to show he is not responsible for the situation that has occurred. Ex. My teacher was in a good mood today, so he let me off the hook for not doing my homework.

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