off the hook

adjective5

1. •
   Of a telephone, having an open connection; not hung up.

   • I think he left the phone off the hook so that nobody would call him.
2. •
   Relieved of a duty, burden, responsibility, or pressure.

   • Well, you're off the hook for next Tuesday's meeting, but you're still on the hook for this Friday's deadline.
   • When the boss assigned the project to Tom, the rest of us were relieved to be off the hook.
3. •
   Of a telephone, ringing frequently.

   • The phone was ringing off the hook all night.
4. •
   (informal) Performing extraordinarily well.

   • That's five three-pointers in a row! Smith is off the hook!
5. •
   (informal, slang) Fresh, cool, trendy, excellent, incredible.

   • That party was off the hook!