Definition
Refers to a telephone receiver that is not placed correctly on its base, preventing the phone from ringing or working properly.
（电话）听筒没挂好
He left the phone off the hook and missed an important call.
他让电话处于未挂好的状态，因此错过了一通重要的来电。
Make sure you hang up the phone properly; don't leave it off the hook.
请确保你正确挂好电话；不要让它处于未挂好的状态。
If the phone is left off the hook, it might produce a continuous noise.
如果电话未挂好，可能会持续发出噪音。
To be free from an obligation, responsibility, or difficult situation; to avoid consequences.
脱身，解脱
I got off the hook because someone else agreed to cover my shift.
我摆脱了困境，因为有人同意帮我代班。
She was supposed to give the presentation, but she got off the hook because she was sick.
她本来应该做报告，但因为生病而免于承担责任。
He was initially blamed for the mistake, but he later proved his innocence and got off the hook.
他最初被指责犯错，但后来证明了自己的清白并摆脱了责任。