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How fortunate swimmer was exonerated? (3,3,4)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

off the hook

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'exonerated?' is the definition.
Both the definition and answer are adjectives. Maybe they are linked in a way I don't understand?

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for off the hook that I've seen before include "Out of danger - freed of guilt" , "as telephone once unable to ring?" , "After landing, get char from here" , "near Dutch coast" , "Safe from further blame or obligation" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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