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Region: General | Usage example: Since the evidence cleared her, she is off the hook.

Off the hook

Meaning

Freed from responsibility or trouble.

Usage

Used when someone avoids punishment or blame.

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 caught fish from a hook.

19th-century slang from anglers and later legal shorthand.

Related Idioms

Let someone off the hook

Release someone from responsibility.

Let off the hook

Escape punishment or obligation.

In hot water

In trouble.

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.