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.

• 🇪🇸Expresión informal que significa librarse de una situación difícil, obligación o responsabilidad; también se usa para describir un teléfono que no está colgado en su base.

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.

   🇪🇸Libre de una obligación

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.

   🇪🇸libre de culpa o castigo