Idiom
by hook or by crook
Meanings
By any means possible; no matter what it takes (sometimes implying questionable methods).
Definition
By hook or by crook means using any possible method to achieve something, whether fair or not.
By hook or by crook means you are determined to do something no matter what, using any method available. It often suggests persistence and creativity, but it can also imply bending rules or acting unethically. Speakers use it to emphasize strong determination to reach a goal.
Examples
- She said she’d get the tickets by hook or by crook.
- He was determined to finish the project by hook or by crook.
- They plan to keep the company alive by hook or by crook.
- I’ll make it to the airport on time by hook or by crook.
More at C1 level
- Monday morning quarterback A “Monday morning quarterback” is someone who criticizes decisions after the outcome is already kno…
- close but no cigar Used to say someone almost succeeded but did not quite achieve the goal.
- come hell or high water No matter what happens or how difficult things become.
- brass monkeys “Brass monkeys” is used in the expression “cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey,” mea…
- get down to brass tacks To get down to brass tacks means to start discussing the most important practical details of someth…
More idiom (adverbial phrase)s
- come hell or high water No matter what happens or how difficult things become.
- in a nutshell Used to give a brief, clear summary of something.
- bang to rights Caught clearly doing something wrong, with undeniable proof.
- out of left field If something comes out of left field, it is very surprising and unexpected.
- once in a blue moon If something happens once in a blue moon, it happens very rarely.