off the hook

phrase

1
: out of trouble
2
: free of responsibility or accountability

Examples of off the hook in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The song is a lesson about the importance of empathy drained of the feel-good reassurance that might let the listener off the hook. Mikael Wood, Los Angeles Times, 26 Aug. 2026 Neighborhoods like Fordham in the Bronx and East New York in Brooklyn are asked to shoulder the city’s housing needs, while large portions of Manhattan and Northeast Queens are largely off the hook. David Schwartz, New York Daily News, 25 Aug. 2026 The Nationals evened the score at 4 in the bottom half of the inning, letting Kent off the hook. Patrick Stevens, Chicago Tribune, 12 Aug. 2026 Massey’s homer also took Royals starter Luinder Avila off the hook. Kansas City Star, 26 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for off the hook

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Off the hook.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/off%20the%20hook. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!