Meaning
"Let someone off the hook"은 누군가를 곤란한 상황이나 책임에서 벗어나게 해주는 것을 의미합니다. 이 표현은 마치 낚시에 걸린 물고기를 놓아주는 것과 비슷한 이미지로 이해할 수 있습니다.
예를 들어, 친구가 잘못을 저질렀지만 그 잘못에 대해 더 이상 추궁하거나 책임을 묻지 않기로 할 때 이 표현을 사용할 수 있습니다. 즉, 그 친구를 그 상황에서 자유롭게 해주는 것입니다.
일상 대화에서 "Let someone off the hook"은 주로 누군가가 실수나 잘못을 했을 때, 그에 대한 책임이나 처벌을 면제해주는 상황에서 쓰입니다. 이 표현은 상대방에게 관대함을 베풀거나 이해심을 보여주는 상황에서 활용됩니다.
예문: "I know you forgot to submit the report on time, but I'll let you off the hook this time." 이 문장에서 상사는 보고서 제출을 깜빡한 직원에게 이번에는 그냥 넘어가겠다고 말하고 있습니다.
Example
I'm unhappy with your attitude and your words are extremely hurtful. But I'm going to let you off the hook this time.
Do you really believe the police are going to let you off the hook after all these charges have been found against you?
I hope you know that he let them off the hook even though he had every right to punish them.
I'm gonna let you two off the hook. But it's going to be the first and last time.
Quiz
What is an Idiom
An idiom is a phrase or expression that usually presents a figurative, non-literal meaning attached to the phrase. Idioms are not just used in conversations – they're also very common in literature, movies, and music. We utilize them to convey a message in a concise and effective manner, and often have deep cultural or historical significance. They help to create a vivid and memorable image in the minds of the audience.
Idioms are difficult because they do not mean what they literally state. Communication challenges emerge when you translate an idiom in your language; it will not make sense or if it does make sense you may miss the intended meaning.
How to Study Idioms
- Read them. Read books, newspapers, magazine articles, online articles for exposure in written material.
- Watch them. Watch TV shows and movies in English! There are so many streaming services available for you to choose from. Listen attentively and try to understand the context in which they are used.
- Use them. Talk to native speakers and try to incorporate common idioms into your conversations. Try using them during conversations with friends, family, coworkers, or through text.
- Practice. Practice. Practice. Remember that you can't learn all of them! So start with a few that you understand and build your library of idioms from there!
