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By hook or by crook" is an English phrase meaning "by any means necessary", suggesting that any means possible should be taken to accomplish a goal. The phrase was first recorded in the Middle English Controversial Tracts of John Wyclif in 1380.
idiom. Add to word list. using any method possible: We’ll get there by hook or by crook. (Definition of by hook or by crook from the Cambridge Academic Content Dictionary © Cambridge University Press) Examples of by hook or by crook. by hook or by crook. It is the technique of all minority dictatorships which, by hook or by crook, seize power.
To do something ‘by hook or by crook’ is to do it by whatever means are necessary – be they fair or foul. What's the origin of the phrase 'By hook or by crook'?
by hook or by crook. If you say you will do something by hook or by crook, you mean that you will find a way to do it, even if it is difficult or involves dishonest methods. He would have to see her again by hook or by crook. He is determined to hang on to power by hook or by crook.
Jun 30, 2024 · The phrase “by hook or by crook” is pronounced /baɪ hʊk ɔːr baɪ krʊk/. Here’s a breakdown: “by” sounds like /baɪ/, similar to “buy”; “hook” is /hʊk/, rhyming with “book”; “or” is /ɔːr/, like “for” with a slightly rounded “o” sound; “by” is /baɪ/ again; and “crook” is /krʊk/, which also ...
By hook or by crook. A very old expression dates from the 14th century. Misguidedly, it has come to mean by fair means or foul because the word crook is mistakenly associated with crooked as in criminal or underhand. The expression is first mentioned in the works of John Wycliffe c. 1380 and Spenser uses it in The Faerie Queene (1590-96).
Aug 14, 2024 · by hook or by crook. (idiomatic) By any means possible; one way or another. [from 14th c.] Synonyms: at all costs, by any means, by fair means or foul, no matter what, whatever it takes, (obsolete) with hook or crook. She was determined to win the contract by hook or by crook.
by hook or by crook. phrase. If someone says they will do something by hook or by crook, they are determined to do it, even if they have to make a great effort or use dishonest means. They intend to get their way, by hook or by crook.
Jan 6, 2021 · What Does By Hook or By Crook Mean? The idiomatic expression by hook or by crook means “by whatever means necessary.” It’s used to say that any possible methods—be they fair or unfair, honest or dishonest—should or will be used to accomplish a goal.
By Hook or By Crook Meaning. Definition: To accomplish a goal by any means necessary. This idiom means that anything required to achieve a goal will be done, whether it be fair or foul play.
