on the hook

The idiom "on the hook" is commonly used in various contexts to describe a state of responsibility, obligation, or being in a difficult situation.

🇺🇸 US Voice:

🇬🇧 UK Voice:

Definition

B2General

(informal)Responsible for a debt or obligation.

Example

He is on the hook for the entire loan amount.
She found herself on the hook for the damages.

B2General

(informal)Expected to fulfill a commitment or duty.

Example

The manager is on the hook to complete the project on time.
You're on the hook to deliver the presentation next week.

B2General

(informal)Likely to face blame or consequences for something.

Example

If the plan fails, he will be on the hook.
She's on the hook for the team's poor performance.

C1Informal

(slang)Infatuated or emotionally attached to someone.

Example

He's been on the hook for her since high school.
She's really got him on the hook, even though she's not interested.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "on the hook":

off the hook hook in on the line hung up on hung up in hock hang one on on the ropes on hold hang on meat hook hang upon on a string stuck on caught on the hop hang up hang off hook off tied up string up on the stocks in irons holding pattern in the hole gut hook on the edge on the fence hang tight on the shelf eye hook butcher's hook put up on hook up heel hook