#english
The phrase "let you off the hook" is an idiomatic expression in English. It means to release someone from a responsibility, obligation, or difficult situation, often when they were expected to face consequences or be held accountable for something.
### Examples of Usage:
1. Responsibility:
- "I was supposed to clean the house today, but my mom let me off the hook because I had to study for exams."
- Here, it means the person was excused from their responsibility.
2. Avoiding Consequences:
- "He was caught speeding, but the officer let him off the hook with just a warning."
- This means the person avoided a penalty or punishment.
3. Social Situation:
- "I thought I’d have to attend the meeting, but my boss let me off the hook."
- This means the person was excused from attending.
### Origin:
The phrase comes from fishing. When a fish is "on the hook," it is caught and cannot escape. To "let it off the hook" means to release it, allowing it to escape. Metaphorically, this idea is applied to people being freed from obligations or consequences.
### Similar Expressions:
- "Off the hook": Can also mean something is exciting or excellent (slang usage).
- "Let someone off the hook": Focuses on releasing someone from responsibility or trouble.
The phrase "let you off the hook" is an idiomatic expression in English. It means to release someone from a responsibility, obligation, or difficult situation, often when they were expected to face consequences or be held accountable for something.
### Examples of Usage:
1. Responsibility:
- "I was supposed to clean the house today, but my mom let me off the hook because I had to study for exams."
- Here, it means the person was excused from their responsibility.
2. Avoiding Consequences:
- "He was caught speeding, but the officer let him off the hook with just a warning."
- This means the person avoided a penalty or punishment.
3. Social Situation:
- "I thought I’d have to attend the meeting, but my boss let me off the hook."
- This means the person was excused from attending.
### Origin:
The phrase comes from fishing. When a fish is "on the hook," it is caught and cannot escape. To "let it off the hook" means to release it, allowing it to escape. Metaphorically, this idea is applied to people being freed from obligations or consequences.
### Similar Expressions:
- "Off the hook": Can also mean something is exciting or excellent (slang usage).
- "Let someone off the hook": Focuses on releasing someone from responsibility or trouble.
