off the hook

Definition

Relieved of a duty, burden, responsibility, or pressure.

Etymology

An allusion to a fish caught on the hook of a fishing line.

Example Sentences

• "When the boss assigned the project to Tom, the rest of us were relieved to be off the hook."
• "Without any evidence, the police had to let the suspect off the hook."
• "Dom (David Jonsson): Tempting, but I think it's actually something I need to do. Like, I get what they did was peak, but I have to take some responsibility, you know? Yas (Vivian Oparah): Like, not at all. You're gonna let them off the hook after how they treated you?"