get (one) off the hook
1. To help one to avoid punishment or culpability for some wrongdoing. He's the best lawyer in the business. If anyone can get you off the hook for murder, he can. Can you please tell Mom that you broke the vase and get me off the hook? I thought my own brother would try to get me off the hook—not turn me into the police!
2. To free one from the responsibility of some task; to help one to avoid some obligation or duty. Thank you for getting me off the hook for Saturday—I was dreading having to babysit at 6 AM on my day off! I knew Uncle Al would just talk incessantly about the weather all night, so I got you off the hook. You're now sitting with us at the other end of the table. Mom, can you please write a note and get me off the hook for this dumb field trip?
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.