Meaning
Na expressão em inglês «Let someone off the hook», a ideia central é liberar ou perdoar alguém de uma responsabilidade ou culpa. Imagine uma situação em que uma pessoa está prestes a enfrentar consequências por algo que fez, mas outra decide não aplicar essas consequências. É como se estivessem "tirando alguém do anzol", permitindo que essa pessoa fique livre de punições ou obrigações.
Por exemplo, se um amigo esquece de pagar uma dívida pequena, você pode decidir "let him off the hook" e não cobrar mais, mostrando compreensão e flexibilidade. Essa expressão é usada em contextos informais e cotidianos, sempre que alguém é dispensado de uma situação difícil ou incômoda.
Use «let someone off the hook» quando quiser transmitir a ideia de dar uma segunda chance a alguém, mostrando clemência ou compreendendo as circunstâncias que levaram ao erro. É uma maneira de demonstrar empatia e generosidade nas relações interpessoais.
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!
