ring off the hook
Of a telephone, to ring constantly or excessively.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The office phone is ringing off the hook today.”
“Since the company announced the big sale, the customer service line has been ringing off the hook.”
“Following the controversial news report, the station's switchboard began ringing off the hook with calls from concerned citizens demanding an explanation.”
- 01
give someone a ring
To place a telephone call to someone.
- 02
hold the ring
To oversee a situation while attempting to remain uninvolved in it.
- 03
hook it
To depart in a hurry; to clear out.
- 04
hook up
To sell or supply something.
- 05
kiss someone's ring
To give respect or reverence to someone; to express servitude to someone.
- 06
make the welkin ring
To celebrate or revel.
- 07
off the hook
Relieved of a duty, burden, responsibility, or pressure.
- 08
ring a bell
To seem at least vaguely familiar.
Last updated August 10, 2026