Definition of "off the hook" in English

Adjective

1. 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.

Adjective

1. 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.

2. Of a telephone, ringing frequently.

   • The phone was ringing off the hook all night.

Adjective

1. Performing extraordinarily well.

   • That's five three-pointers in a row! Smith is off the hook!

2. Fresh, cool, trendy, excellent, incredible.

   • That party was off the hook!