To be off the hook means that someone is no longer responsible for something or no longer in trouble. It is often used when a person escapes blame.
The phrase comes from early telephones. The receiver rested on a small hook when the phone was not in use, and lifting it started the call. If the receiver was left off the hook, the phone line stayed busy, which led to the expression being used in a figurative way.
The phrase comes from early telephones. The receiver rested on a small hook when the phone was not in use, and lifting it started the call. If the receiver was left off the hook, the phone line stayed busy, which led to the expression being used in a figurative way.
When the meeting was canceled, she was finally off the hook for giving the presentation.