By Hook or By Crook: What It Means and How to Use It

If you’ve ever heard the phrase “by hook or by crook” and wondered what it means, you’re not alone. This quirky idiom has been around for centuries and continues to be used today in both casual and formal settings.

In this article, we will break down the meaning of “by hook or by crook,” delve into its origin, and provide you with practical examples to show you how to use it effectively in your everyday language.

What Does “By Hook or By Crook” Mean?

So, what does by hook or by crook mean? Simply put, when someone says they will accomplish something by hook or by crook, they mean they will achieve their goal by any means necessary, even if it involves unconventional or morally questionable methods.

The phrase carries a sense of determination and persistence, implying that the person will succeed no matter the obstacles or challenges that come their way.

For example, if you’re working on a project with a tight deadline, you might tell your team, “We’ll finish this by hook or by crook.” This means you’re committed to getting the job done, regardless of how challenging the situation becomes.

Scenario Example:

You are sending an email to a colleague, Sarah, about an urgent task at work:

Subject: Project Update: Getting it Done

Hi Sarah,

Just wanted to check in about the project. We’ve had some unexpected delays, but rest assured, we’ll complete it by hook or by crook. We’ll find a way, no matter what.

Thanks for your support,
Alex

In this case, Alex uses the phrase to express their unwavering commitment to meet the deadline, even though the task has become more difficult.

By Hook or By Crook Meaning:

How to Use It

The meaning of “by hook or by crook” is often related to achieving something by any means—whether through straightforward methods or more creative, sometimes questionable, ways. It’s about being resourceful and not giving up.

It’s useful in situations where you need to convey a sense of strong resolve, and the phrase can be used in both professional and casual conversations.

Scenario 1:

Business Email

Let’s say you need to reassure your boss, John, that despite some setbacks, the project will be completed on time. Here’s how you might use the phrase:

Subject: Ensuring Timely Completion

Hi John,

I wanted to update you on the project’s progress. We’ve hit a few bumps along the way, but we’re pushing forward and will get it done by hook or by crook. We’re committed to delivering it on time.

Best,
Emily

In this example, Emily uses “by hook or by crook” to assure John that her team is determined to finish the project, despite the challenges.

Scenario 2:

Casual Conversation

In a casual chat with a friend, like Tom, you might express how you’re going to achieve something difficult. Here’s an example:

You: “I really want to make it to that concert this weekend, but I’m not sure if I can get tickets.”

Tom: “Don’t worry, you’ll figure it out, by hook or by crook. You’ll get those tickets somehow!”

In this case, Tom uses the phrase to offer encouragement, suggesting that no matter how tough it is, you’ll find a way.

By Hook or By Crook Origin

Understanding the origin of “by hook or by crook” adds an interesting layer to the idiom. The phrase dates back to medieval England, and there are a couple of theories about its beginnings.

One popular explanation links the phrase to the tools used by shepherds. Hooks and crooks were tools used to herd sheep. A hook was a curved instrument used to pull things, like a sheep, and a crook was a longer, similar tool.

The idea was that a shepherd could use either a hook or a crook to achieve their goal of gathering the flock—by hook or by crook—no matter the circumstances. This interpretation suggests resourcefulness and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Another theory links the phrase to King Richard II’s reign in the 1300s. Some believe that it referred to getting something done by any means necessary, including trickery or force.

Over time, the phrase evolved to mean simply doing whatever it takes to succeed.

In both cases, the meaning emphasizes determination and flexibility in achieving a goal.

Hook or By Crook Meaning in Modern Usage

The hook or by crook meaning today still carries the core idea of being resourceful, but it’s often used more figuratively than literally. It’s no longer about using shepherding tools but about finding creative solutions to difficult situations, even if those solutions might be unconventional or less-than-ideal.

Scenario:

A Fictional Novel

Here’s how this phrase might be used in a story:

Excerpt:

“I knew I had to make it inside the castle. I didn’t care how—I was determined to succeed. By hook or by crook, I would find a way in.”

In this case, the phrase underscores the character’s resolve to complete a difficult task, highlighting that they will do anything necessary to get the job done.

By Hook or Crook Definition:

A Quick Recap

If you’re still unsure about the definition of by hook or crooks, let’s quickly summarize it:

• By hook or crook definition: Achieving a goal by any means necessary, whether through honorable or unconventional methods.
• The phrase conveys determination and a willingness to persist despite challenges.

Table: Common Idioms and Their Meanings

To further clarify the use of this idiom, here’s a helpful table comparing it with other popular idioms:

Phrase	Meaning
By hook or by crook	Achieving a goal by any means necessary, whether honest or not.
Bite the bullet	To face a difficult situation head-on, usually with courage.
Burning the midnight oil	Working late into the night to complete a task.
Break the ice	To make people feel comfortable in social situations.
Barking up the wrong tree	To follow a misguided course of action.

How to Use the Phrase Effectively

Now that you have a better understanding of what “by hook or by crook” means and its origin, you can start using it in your own conversations. Here are a few tips on how to incorporate it effectively:

1. Reassure Others: Use it to show your commitment to achieving a goal, even when facing obstacles.
2. Encourage Persistence: Offer the phrase to someone else as a form of encouragement to keep going, no matter the challenges.
3. Add Emphasis: Use it to add emphasis in both formal and informal settings, especially when discussing a tough situation or an impossible task.

Conclusion

To sum it up, the phrase “by hook or by crook” is a timeless expression that signifies achieving a goal through any means necessary. Whether used to show your own determination or to encourage someone else, it remains a useful tool in both everyday conversation and more formal communication. By understanding its origin, definition, and practical applications, you can incorporate this idiom into your vocabulary with confidence.