let you off the hook
2018.02.01
Meaning:
If someone does something bad, they often get caught and then they will probably get punished. For example, imagine you steal a chocolate from your sister. If your sister catches you stealing your chocolate, you are like a fish on a hook: you’re caught. Your sister might punish you – she might get angry or steal something from you etc. *But* if you’re lucky, your sister might let you off the hook – that is, she might *not* punish you (even though she caught you). ‘to let someone off the hook’ is to ‘set them free’, ‘to give them another chance’… so it’s usually a positive expression.
Example:
A: John, I know you lied on your CV. You can’t speak Spanish.
B: You’re right. You got me. I’m so sorry…
A: I’m going to let you off the hook this time. But if you ever lie to me again, you will lose your job.
Talking Point(s):
If someone lied to you, would you punish them or let them off the hook? What kind of lie would you accept?
大人からの英会話getgo 西船橋・荻窪・津田沼・本八幡