on the hook for

phrase

US, informal
: owing money for (something) : responsible for (something)
He's still on the hook for the cost of the repairs.

Examples of on the hook for in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
And while gasoline prices will come down eventually, American taxpayers might be on the hook for military costs long after any peace deal is signed. Tristan Bove, Fortune, 1 July 2026 The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported the Devils are not retaining any of Markstrom’s salary, putting Florida on the hook for all of it. Jordan McPherson, Miami Herald, 30 June 2026 Those states whose food-stamp programs exceed that threshold will be on the hook for shouldering more of the program's costs starting in October 2027. Aimee Picchi, CBS News, 29 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for on the hook for

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“On the hook for.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/on%20the%20hook%20for. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster