get him off the hook

USAGE SUMMARY

"get him off the hook" is a correct phrase and is commonly used in spoken and written English.
The phrase "get him off the hook" means to help or assist someone in avoiding blame or responsibility for a situation. Here are some examples of using "get him off the hook" in a sentence: 1. The lawyer's goal was to get his client off the hook for the crime he didn't commit. 2. I knew I had to act fast to get my friend off the hook before the boss found out he was the one responsible for the mistake. 3. Let's come up with a plan to get your brother off the hook for breaking the vase. 4. The politician tried to get himself off the hook by denying any involvement in the scandal. 5. It's not fair that you always get off the hook for your mistakes while I have to face the consequences.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

No word games can get him off the hook.

The New York Times

Would that get him off the hook today?

The New Yorker

He defended the numbers, pointing to the fact that they get him off the hook.

Independent

But Trump's background in liberal, diverse New York does not get him off the hook.

The Guardian

But steadfast, straight-in-the-eye denial just might get him off the hook.

The New York Times

This sounds pretty but doesn't really get him off the hook one bit.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

So that pretty well gets him off the hook".

The New Yorker

The mysterious "sand castle" is Tommy's passport to credibility and gets him off the hook.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The trial's usefulness will not be to determine his guilt or innocence -- even a legal dream team will have a hard time getting him off the hook -- but to educate Serbs about the crimes he masterminded in their name and with their support.

The New York Times

That is important, because it gets him off the hook for not volunteering, unlike other sons of wealthy families like John Kerry who did volunteer, and won three purple hearts.

Huffington Post

But his effort to accentuate the positive is unlikely to get him off the political hook.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "get him off the hook", consider the level of formality required by the context. While common in everyday speech and news reporting, more formal settings might benefit from alternatives like "exculpate him" or "absolve him".

Common error

Avoid using "get him off the hook" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more sophisticated vocabulary that conveys the same meaning with greater precision and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "get him off the hook" functions as an idiomatic expression, primarily used as a verb phrase. Ludwig examples show it depicts actions taken to relieve someone of responsibility, blame, or consequences. It is used in numerous contexts to describe the act of aiding or enabling someone to avoid facing negative repercussions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Reference

0.5%

Academia

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "get him off the hook" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic phrase used to describe the act of helping someone avoid blame or consequences. According to Ludwig, the phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, with a neutral to informal register. While widely understood, it is generally more appropriate for informal settings; formal writing benefits from alternatives like "exculpate him" or "absolve him". Its function is to depict an action taken to relieve someone of responsibility, making it a versatile expression in various conversational and journalistic scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

acquit him

Specifically refers to a legal declaration of not guilty.

absolve him

Implies a formal release from guilt or obligation, similar to exculpate but often in a legal or moral context.

exculpate him

This is a more formal and concise way of saying to clear him from blame.

pardon him

A formal act of forgiveness, often by a government official.

vindicate him

Suggests proving him innocent after a period of doubt or accusation.

clear his name

Focuses on restoring his reputation by proving innocence.

shield him from blame

Emphasizes protecting him from being blamed or held responsible.

let him off easy

Implies giving a lenient punishment or avoiding severe consequences.

cover for him

Suggests concealing his mistake or fault to protect him.

excuse him

Offers a reason to overlook his fault or mistake.

FAQs

What does "get him off the hook" mean?

The phrase "get him off the hook" means to help someone avoid blame or punishment for something they have done. It implies finding a way to excuse or vindicate them.

How can I use "get him off the hook" in a sentence?

You can use it in sentences like: "His lawyer tried to "get him off the hook" by presenting new evidence" or "She lied to protect her friend and "get him off the hook".

What are some alternatives to "get him off the hook"?

Some alternatives include "exculpate him", "absolve him", or "vindicate him", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "get him off the hook" in formal writing?

While "get him off the hook" is widely understood, it's generally more appropriate for informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "exculpate him" or "acquit him" for a more professional tone.