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Dictionary.com
Definitions

off the hook

ADJECTIVE
exempt
Synonyms
STRONGEST
immune
STRONG
absolved clear cleared discharged excepted excluded excused favored free liberated privileged released spared unbound walked
WEAK
beat the rap let go let off not liable not responsible not subject outside set apart special unchecked unrestrained unrestricted unshackled void of
Antonyms
STRONG
hindered prevented
WEAK
accountable answerable liable nonexempt responsible
ADJECTIVE
free
Synonyms
STRONGEST
able at large clear easy independent loose open unfettered unrestricted
STRONG
allowed disengaged escaped familiar forward frank liberal liberated permitted relaxed
WEAK
at liberty casual fancy-free footloose free-spirited free-wheeling informal lax on one's own on the loose unattached uncommitted unconfined unconstrained unengaged unhampered unimpeded unobstructed unregulated untrammeled
Antonyms
STRONGEST
blocked closed repressed restricted strict
STRONG
reserved
WEAK
confined limited restrained suppressed
ADJECTIVE
unattached
Synonyms
WEAK
apart at liberty autonomous available detached fancy-free footloose independent on one's own separate single unaffiliated uncommited unconnected uninvolved unmarried

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

They claim that the laws are widely abused as a blackmail tool in divorces, enrich lawyers and let spouses who misbehave off the hook, treating them as passive objects with no agency.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

If your tax preparer files your return late, you aren’t off the hook from a late-filing penalty.

From Barron's • Mar. 28, 2026

He wants to see proof that the DOJ was given inaccurate information by ICE before he lets its lawyers off the hook.

From Slate • Mar. 27, 2026

In the same breath, Arenas refuses to let himself off the hook.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 11, 2026

No way was Señora Mendez going to let me off the hook just because I rescued someone.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings