Definition
Refers to a telephone receiver that is not placed correctly on its base, preventing the phone from ringing or working properly.
He left the phone off the hook and missed an important call.
Make sure you hang up the phone properly; don't leave it off the hook.
If the phone is left off the hook, it might produce a continuous noise.
To be free from an obligation, responsibility, or difficult situation; to avoid consequences.
I got off the hook because someone else agreed to cover my shift.
She was supposed to give the presentation, but she got off the hook because she was sick.
He was initially blamed for the mistake, but he later proved his innocence and got off the hook.