“By Hook or By Crook” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 16, 2024 by Liam Daniel

A common saying which you may have heard quite often is ‘by hook or by crook.’ But how do we use this term in conversation and where did it come from? Let’s take a look at the meaning behind this phrase.

By Hook or By Crook Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “By hook or by crook” means achieving something by any means necessary, whether through fair or unconventional methods.
By Hook or By Crook Meaning
By Hook or By Crook Meaning – Created by 7ESL

By Hook or By Crook Meaning

“By hook or by crook” means to achieve something by any means necessary, whether by fair or less conventional methods. It suggests a determination to accomplish a goal, even if it requires using creative, indirect, or resourceful methods.

For example:

  • “We’ll finish this project by hook or by crook, no matter what it takes.”

Origin of this Idiom

The phrase was first written in the 1300s by a man named John Wyclif in a record called ‘Middle English controversial tracts.’ There are various ideas about where the phrase actually came from. One of these is that all those years ago, the King owned all the woodland but peasants were allowed to collect wood, anything they could remove from the trees using a billhook or a shepherds crook.

Usage of “By Hook or By Crook”

Here are examples of how this phrase can be used:

  1. To express determination:
    • “She promised to get the job done by hook or by crook, no matter the obstacles.”
  2. In the context of achieving a goal:
    • “They were determined to win the game by hook or by crook.”
  3. For overcoming challenges:
    • “We’ll find a way to finish the project on time by hook or by crook.”
  4. In daily conversations:
    • “By hook or by crook, we’ll get tickets to the concert, even if it’s sold out.”

Related Terms to “By Hook or By Crook”

  • “Whatever it takes” – Willing to do anything necessary to achieve a goal.
  • “By any means necessary” – Using any method required to succeed.
  • “Come hell or high water” – Overcoming any obstacle to accomplish something.
  • “At all costs” – Willing to do whatever it takes, regardless of the consequences.
  • “No matter what” – Showing determination to succeed under any circumstances.
  • “One way or another” – Achieving something through any available method.
  • “Against all odds” – Succeeding despite difficulties or challenges.
  • “By fair means or foul” – Using any methods, ethical or not, to achieve a goal.
  • “In the face of adversity” – Pushing through difficulties to succeed.
  • “No holds barred” – Taking all measures, without restrictions, to achieve something.

Other Ways to Say the Phrase

If you wanted to express the meaning of ‘by hook or by crook’ in other words, you might use one of the following sayings.

  • By any means necessary
  • One way or another
  • At whatever cost
  • With all the means
  • By whatever means
  • By all means

“By Hook or By Crook” Examples

You would use this term to express the dire need to complete something, for example you might tell your co-worker something along the lines of ‘We must get these documents finished by Friday morning, by hook or by crook.’

Example Sentences

  • They intend to get their way, by hook or by crook.
  • I’ll get her to marry me, by hook or by crook.
  • The police are going to get these guys, by hook or by crook.
  • By hook or by crook, football is being called to account for the years of profligacy.
  • We will get the work finished this week by hook or by crook.

Conversation Examples

The idiomatic phrase ‘by hook or by crook’ is often used in conversations, both formal and informal. Here are some examples of how it might sound when heard in a conversation.

Conversation 1:

  • Person 1: “I only have until this afternoon to get this work done.”
  • Person 2: “Take it easy, I’m sure it wouldn’t matter if you finished it tomorrow.”
  • Person 1: “No, by hook or by crook, it has to be done this afternoon.”

Conversation 2:

  • Person 1: “Are you going to that job interview today?”
  • Person 2: “Yes and I have to get that job, by hook or by crook because I am running out of money fast.”
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