let off the hook
get/let (someone) off the hook
to allow someone to escape from a difficult situation or to avoid doing something that they do not want to do.
John's agreed to go to the meeting in my place, so that lets me off the hook.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

let off the hook
excuse someone from a penalty or promise
He let me off the hook and I didn't have to stay after work and help clean the office.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

let off the hook
See: LET OFF(3).
To miss a chance to defeat or score against, especially in sports or games.
We almost scored a touchdown in the first play against Tech but we let them off the hook by fumbling the ball.

The boxer let his opponent off the hook many times.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

let someone off the hook
get/let (someone) off the hook
to allow someone to escape from a difficult situation or to avoid doing something that they do not want to do.
John's agreed to go to the meeting in my place, so that lets me off the hook.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

let someone off the hook
excuse someone from a penalty or promise
He let me off the hook and I didn't have to stay after work and help clean the office.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲