off the hook

== 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. Antonym: on the hook ===== Derived terms ===== ===== Translations ===== === 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. Of a telephone, ringing frequently. === Etymology 3 === Unknown. ==== Adjective ==== off the hook (not comparable) (idiomatic, informal, sports) Performing extraordinarily well. (idiomatic, informal, slang) Fresh, cool, trendy, excellent, incredible. ===== Derived terms ===== off the hizzle === See also === off the chain off the hooks ring off the hook