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Region: General | Usage example: The judge let her off the hook with a warning.

Let off the hook

Meaning

Escape punishment or obligation.

Usage

Used when the consequences are eased.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Fishing image of removing a fish from a hook, freeing it.

Found in 19th-century English and American use.

Related Idioms

Let someone off the hook

Release someone from responsibility.

Off the hook

Freed from responsibility or trouble.

Catch-22

A paradoxical situation where escape depends on the condition you cannot meet.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.