HomeServicesBlogDictionariesContactSpanish Course
← Back to search

Meaning of on the hook | Babel Free

Noun CEFR C1

Definitions

  1. Of an animal, slaughtered for food.
    literally
  2. In debt; obligated to pay or provide; liable; responsible or blamed.
    idiomatic, informal

Examples

“For now, at least, Mr. Wedell, who is a vice president at the Robinson-Humphrey Company, a subsidiary of Shearson Lehman, is still on the hook for unsettled claims.”
“Yes, incumbents of both parties—especially those incumbents facing tough re-election campaigns—don't want to be on the hook for this vote.”
“Could taxpayers really be on the hook for UAW pensions? Yes.”

CEFR level

C1
Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.

See also

Learn this word in context

See on the hook used in real conversations inside our free language course.

Start Free Course