hook
noun [ C ]
informal uk/hʊk/ us MARKETING
something that is used to attract customers' attention, and encourage them to buy a product or service:
Special deals on bestsellers are used as hooks to sell volumes from publishers' back catalogues.
be on the hook (for sth/to do sth) US informal
to owe money or be legally responsible for something:
The cleanup plan called for the companies, which are on the hook for cleanup costs, to dredge contaminated sediments from the river.
If the investment company fails, they are on the hook to pay the loan.
off the hook
having escaped from a difficult situation or punishment:
be/get off the hook Don't think you're off the hook on taxes just because you were paid in cash.
get/let sb off the hook The minister was last night under fire for letting the big banks off the hook.
hook
verb [ T ]
uk/hʊk/ us MARKETING
to attract someone's attention or encourage them to buy a product or service:
Financial marketers know that money-off deals hook customers and keep them loyal.
Once people have tried this product, they will be hooked for life.
IT
to connect a machine to a power supply, or to another machine:
hook sth to sth The high-speed digital connector is used to hook all kinds of devices to your computer.
Phrasal verbs
hook (sth) into sth
hook up (with sb/sth)
hook sb up (with sb/sth)
hook (sth) up