[countable] (informal) something interesting, clever, strange, etc. that is used to attract people's attention
诱饵◆The promotion is a hook to attract consumers.
促销是吸引消费者的诱饵。 ●be on the ˈhook (for sth/to do sth) (informal) (NAmE) to be legally responsible for paying sth or for doing sth
对（付款或做某事）负法律责任◆Unless you report the theft of your credit card immediately you may be on the hook for $500.
除非你立即报告你的信用卡失窃，否则你就要支付 500 元。●get (sb) off the ˈhook ●let sb off the ˈhook (informal) to free yourself or sb else from a difficult situation or a punishment
（使）摆脱困境，逃避惩罚  ➡  idiom at ring verb