off the hook

English

Adjective

off the hook (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic) Relieved of a duty, burden, responsibility, or pressure.

   When the boss assigned the project to Tom, the rest of us were relieved to be off the hook.

   Without any evidence, the police had to let the suspect off the hook.

2. (idiomatic, sports) Performing extraordinarily well.

   That's five three-pointers in a row! Smith is off the hook!

3. Of a telephone, having an open connection; not hung up.

   I think he left the phone off the hook so that nobody would call him.

See also

• ring off the hook