Off the Hook (Origin)

What Is the Origin of the Saying "Off the Hook"?

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The term "off the hook" means no longer responsible for something or no longer selected for something.

When referring to a telephone, "off the hook" means that the telephone is not in its cradle and is therefore offline. In American rap culture, it has a meaning similar to beyond excellent, like "off the scale."

Examples of Use:

Jack will lead on the next project. You're off the hook.
If the CCTV shows that I wasn't in the photocopier room, then I must be off the hook.
My wife has decided to go to the cinema, so I'm off the hook with tonight's tango lessons.
I couldn't reach you. Was your phone off the hook?
That performance was off the hook, man!

The first meaning of "off the hook" given has been used since the mid-1800s. It is used figuratively as it refers to a worm escaping from a fishing hook. Clearly, a worm that wriggles off the hook saves itself from being eaten. The worm's escape is a metaphor for not being next in line.