on the hook
1
used to refer to a situation in which someone is forced or committed to fulfill a responsibility, often due to prior agreements or expectations
The idiom "on the hook" originates from fishing terminology, where a fish that is caught is said to be "on the hook" until it is reeled in. In a broader sense, the phrase is used to describe a situation where someone is trapped or obligated to do something, often due to prior commitments, responsibilities, or expectations.
- After promising to help with the charity event, he found himself on the hook for organizing the entire fundraiser.
- She was on the hook for completing the project by the deadline, and the pressure was mounting.
- Accepting the job offer meant she was on the hook for relocating to a new city, uprooting her life in the process.
- When he borrowed money from his friend, he knew he was on the hook to pay it back with interest.
- After signing the contract, the company was on the hook for delivering the product as specified, and any delays would result in penalties.