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off the hook. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
off the hook, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
off the hook in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
off the hook you have here. The definition of the word
off the hook will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
off the hook, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Etymology 1
An allusion to a fish caught on the hook of a fishing line.
Pronunciation
Adjective
off the hook (not comparable)
- (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.
2023, Nathan Bryon, Tom Melia, directed by Raine Allen-Miller, Rye Lane:Dom (David Jonsson): Tempting, but I think it's actually something I need to do. Like, I get what they did was peak, but I have to take some responsibility, you know?
Yas (Vivian Oparah): Like, not at all. You're gonna let them off the hook after how they treated you?
Etymology 2
Referring to the candlestick phone, which in order to hang up, the receiver must be hung on a hook. Leaving the receiver off the hook would prevent it from being able to receive calls.
Adjective
off the hook (not comparable)
- 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.
- Of a telephone, ringing frequently.
The phone was ringing off the hook all night.
Etymology 3
Unknown.
Adjective
off the hook (not comparable)
- (idiomatic, informal, sports) Performing extraordinarily well.
That's five three-pointers in a row! Smith is off the hook!
- (idiomatic, informal, slang) Fresh, cool, trendy, excellent, incredible.
That party was off the hook!
Derived terms
See also