Off the hook

Posted by Kit on August 08, 2003

In Reply to: Sniping posted by Henry on August 07, 2003

: : : hi,

: : : I need to know the meaning for the following phrases...

: : : 1.what do we mean when we describe something as "freakin horrible".

: : We mean the thing is horrible. "Freakin'" is added for emphasis. It's a slightly more genteel substitute for the expletive "fucking."

: : : 2.he would "wind up on the wrong end of a knife".

: : He would be stabbed eventually.

: : : 3."took on a life of its own". could u give an example?

: : The Phrase Finder Discussion Forum was established as an arena for research into the origins and meanings of English phrases. It has since taken on a life of its own.

: : : 4."to get off the hook".

: : To be freed from an obligation or an unpleasant duty. (The phrase comes from fishing with a hook and line.)

: : : 5.Tony Blair "steps into" the record book. anything noble he did?

: : Not that I know of.

: : : 6.see a "culture of deceit" at the heart of his government.

: : High officials in the particular government operate in secrecy and tell lies to hide their actions.

: : : 7.he would "soldier on".

: : He proceeded bravely toward a goal despite obstacles and setbacks.

: : : 8."sniped over" the failure.

: : I don't know the meaning of that one.

: : : thank you all for the help.

: A sniper was a single armed soldier who shot at individual enemy soldiers. Sniping was later used to mean criticising an opponent.

: It has a new meaning on eBay;
: "Then suddenly, with seconds to go, someone else swoops in with an even higher offer. Before the novice has time to retaliate, the auction closes. In eBay jargon, the second-to-last bidder has been hit by a sniper."

To 'get off the hook' also means to escape punishment, blame etc.