off the hook

• 非正式表达，指从困境、义务或责任中解脱出来；也用来形容电话听筒未放在挂钩上。

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.

1. No longer responsibleB2informal

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

   摆脱责任

   • 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.

2. Not in troubleB2informal

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

   脱责

   • 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.