off the hook

An informal expression meaning to be freed from a difficult situation, obligation, or responsibility; also used to describe a telephone receiver that is not placed on its cradle.

• 🇩🇪Umgangssprachlich für das Entkommen aus einer schwierigen Lage, einer Verpflichtung oder Verantwortung; bezeichnet außerdem einen Telefonhörer, der nicht aufgelegt ist.

1. No longer responsible B2 informal

   To be freed from a duty, obligation, or difficult situation.

   • You're off the hook for the dinner tonight; I'll cook.
   • The boss let him off the hook for the mistake.
   • She was relieved to be off the hook for the extra work.

   🇩🇪Aus der Verantwortung entlassen

2. Not in trouble B2 informal

   To be no longer in a position of blame or punishment.

   • He got off the hook because the evidence was weak.
   • The teacher let the student off the hook with a warning.
   • She was off the hook after explaining the misunderstanding.

   🇩🇪Aus dem Schneider sein