Lets off the hook (7)
I believe the answer is:
exempts
'lets off the hook' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is the entire clue.
(Other definitions for exempts that I've seen before include "Excuses" , "Frees from liability" , "Lets off" , "Frees from obligation, say jury service" , "Grants immunity to" .)