Meaning
"Let someone off the hook"は、誰かを困難な状況や責任から解放することを意味します。この表現は、問題や罰から人を免除してあげるときに使われます。
例えば、友人が何か間違いを犯したときに、その責任を追及せずに許してあげる場合に使われます。つまり、責任や義務から解放してあげることで、その人が罰を受けないようにすることを表現しています。
このフレーズは日常会話でよく使われ、特に誰かが間違いを犯したが、その結果が深刻でないときによく使われます。たとえば、同僚がプロジェクトの期限を守れなかったときに、「今回は大目に見てあげよう」と言いたいときに使われます。
要するに、"Let someone off the hook"は、誰かを状況から解放し、責任を追及しないことを示す便利な表現です。
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!
