By Hook or by Crook
At first, the phrase can sound strange. A hook is a curved tool, while a crook can mean a dishonest person or something with a bent shape.
So, why are these two words used together?
By hook or by crook is an old English idiom. It means by any possible method or by whatever means are necessary.
The person using it is saying that they are determined to achieve a goal, even if they have to try different methods to do it.
Sometimes the phrase is completely harmless. For example, a student might say, “I’ll pass this exam by hook or by crook.”
They simply mean they will work very hard and try every reasonable way to succeed.
However, the expression can also suggest questionable or dishonest methods. The exact meaning depends on the situation and the speaker’s tone.
This phrase is useful because it appears in books, films, conversations, news writing, and everyday English.
It is also a good example of an idiom, where the whole expression has a meaning that is different from the literal meanings of its individual words.
By the end of this guide, you will understand what by hook or by crook means, how to use it naturally, what grammar comes after it, where the phrase comes from, and how to avoid common mistakes.
What Does “By Hook or by Crook” Mean?
By hook or by crook means by any means possible or in any way necessary to achieve something.
The expression usually shows strong determination. A person has a goal, and they are saying they will find some way to reach it.
For example:
By Hook or by Crook
This means:
“I will find some way to get that job, no matter what.”
The phrase does not always mean that the person will do something illegal. It can simply mean that they are ready to try many different methods.
For example, imagine a student has an important exam tomorrow. The student might say:
By Hook or by Crook
The student may mean that they will study all night, review old notes, practice questions, and ask a teacher for help. There is nothing dishonest about those actions.
But the phrase can have a darker meaning in another context:
“He planned to get the money by hook or by crook.”
Here, the speaker may suggest that the person is willing to use unfair, dishonest, or improper methods.
When Should You Use “By Hook or by Crook”?
Use the expression when you want to show that someone is very determined to accomplish a goal.
It often appears before or after a statement about achieving something.
Common patterns include:
By Hook or by Crook
“I will finish the project by hook or by crook.”
By Hook or by Crook
By Hook or by Crook
You can also place the expression at the beginning of a sentence:
“By hook or by crook, we have to complete the work today.”
The meaning stays the same: whatever method is necessary, the goal must be achieved.
Grammar Rule
By hook or by crook is an idiomatic adverbial phrase. It tells us how or by what means something will be accomplished.
It normally modifies a verb or an entire action.
For example:
By Hook or by Crook
The phrase tells us how they managed to solve the problem.
It can be used with different tenses:
“I will finish it by hook or by crook.”
“She finished the project by hook or by crook.”
By Hook or by Crook
8 Examples of “By Hook or by Crook”
- I’ll finish this assignment by hook or by crook.The speaker is determined to finish the assignment somehow.
- We must reach the village by hook or by crook before sunset.The group is determined to get there despite difficulties.
- She wanted to win the competition by hook or by crook.She was extremely determined to win, possibly even through questionable methods.
- By Hook or by Crook
- By hook or by crook, I’m going to repair this old car.The speaker will try every available method.
- They promised to complete the building by hook or by crook.They were determined to finish the work.
- I need to save enough money by hook or by crook.The speaker is strongly determined to reach the financial goal.
- By Hook or by Crook
A Common Learner Confusion
Many learners try to understand the phrase literally.
They may ask:
By Hook or by Crook
or:
By Hook or by Crook
In this expression, you should not focus too much on the literal meaning of hook and crook. The expression works as a single unit.
Think of it as one meaning:
By Hook or by Crook
What Do “Hook” and “Crook” Mean in This Expression?
Because by hook or by crook is one fixed idiom, it is more useful to understand the two words as parts of the expression rather than as separate grammar choices.
A hook is normally something curved that can be used for catching, holding, pulling, or hanging something.
For example:
By Hook or by Crook
A crook has several meanings. It can describe something that is bent or curved. It can also be an old word for a shepherd’s staff with a curved end. In informal English, crook can also mean a dishonest person.
By Hook or by Crook
Why Are Hook and Crook Together?
The exact historical origin of the expression is not completely certain. Several explanations have been suggested over the years.
One traditional explanation connects hook and crook with tools or methods that could be used to accomplish a task. Another old explanation connects the words with different ways of gathering something or overcoming an obstacle.
Because the exact origin is uncertain, it is better not to present one historical story as a proven fact.
What is clear is that the expression has been used in English for centuries and has developed the meaning “by any means available” or “by any method necessary.”
The rhyme between hook and crook also makes the expression easy to remember.
Important Point for English Learners
You do not normally create new expressions by replacing these words.
For example, do not say:
“I’ll do it by stick or by stone.”
That may make sense literally, but it is not the established idiom.
The natural expression is:
By Hook or by Crook
Idioms are fixed combinations of words, so learning the complete phrase is important.
Difference Between “By Hook or by Crook” and Similar Expressions
By Hook or by Crook
Still, learners often confuse it with expressions such as by any means, no matter what, and at all costs.
| Expression | Basic Meaning | Tone | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| by hook or by crook | By any means possible | Can suggest questionable methods | I’ll finish it by hook or by crook. |
| by any means necessary | Using whatever method is needed | Strong and sometimes serious | We must solve the problem by any means necessary. |
| no matter what | Regardless of difficulties | Usually neutral | I’ll finish the work no matter what. |
| at all costs | Regardless of the price or sacrifice | Strong | She wanted to win at all costs. |
| somehow | In some way, even if the method is unknown | Neutral | We’ll get there somehow. |
By Hook or by Crook vs. By Any Means Necessary
These expressions are very close.
By Hook or by Crook
“I’ll complete the task by any means necessary.”
Both show determination.
By Hook or by Crook
By any means necessary can sound more serious and direct.
By Hook or by Crook vs. No Matter What
These expressions are also similar, but they focus on different ideas.
By Hook or by Crook
By Hook or by Crook
The idea is that the speaker will find some method.
No matter what focuses more on the difficulty or result.
“I’ll get the information no matter what.”
The speaker is saying that nothing will stop them.
By Hook or by Crook vs. At All Costs
At all costs can suggest that someone is willing to make serious sacrifices to achieve a goal.
“He wanted to win at all costs.”
By Hook or by Crook
“He wanted to win by hook or by crook.”
Both can have a negative feeling depending on context, but they are not always negative.
Grammar Rules You Must Remember
Rule #1: Treat the Whole Expression as One Idiom
Do not try to translate each word separately.
Correct:
By Hook or by Crook
Meaning:
“I’ll finish the job by any means possible.”
The expression has one overall meaning.
Rule #2: It Usually Describes How Something Is Achieved
The phrase often answers the question “How?”
“How will you complete the project?”
By Hook or by Crook
It explains the means or method used to reach the goal.
Rule #3: “By” Is Part of the Fixed Expression
Do not remove by.
Correct:
By Hook or by Crook
Incorrect:
“She got the position hook or crook.”
The second sentence does not use the standard idiom.
Rule #4: It Can Be Used in Different Tenses
The expression itself does not change when the tense changes.
Present or future:
By Hook or by Crook
Past:
By Hook or by Crook
Present continuous:
“They are trying to get the information by hook or by crook.”
The verb changes. The idiom stays the same.
Common Mistakes Students Make
English learners often make mistakes with idioms because they try to build them like normal sentences.
Mistake #1: Changing the Words
A learner might write:
By Hook or by Crook
The established form is:
By Hook or by Crook
The word or is important because it gives the traditional expression its meaning of using one possible method or another.
Mistake #2: Removing the Second “by”
You may sometimes hear shortened versions in informal use, but learners should learn the standard form first:
by hook or by crook
This is the safest form for writing and formal learning.
Mistake #3: Taking It Literally
A student might think the sentence is about a physical hook and a physical crook.
By Hook or by Crook
This normally has nothing to do with tools.
The speaker means:
“I’ll find some way to get the job.”
Mistake #4: Assuming It Always Means Dishonesty
This is another common misunderstanding.
The phrase can imply dishonest or questionable behavior, but it does not always do so.
Compare:
“I’ll pass the exam by hook or by crook.”
This could simply mean that the student will study extremely hard.
Now compare:
“He got the money by hook or by crook.”
This may make the listener suspect that he used dishonest methods.
Context decides the tone.
Mistake #5: Using It Everywhere
Because the phrase is colorful, learners may want to use it in every sentence about determination.
That can make their English sound unnatural.
For simple everyday speech, somehow, no matter what, or by any means necessary may be more suitable.
For example:
“I’ll somehow finish this tonight.”
This sounds very natural in casual conversation.
“I’ll finish this by hook or by crook.”
This sounds stronger and more idiomatic.
Easy Trick to Remember “By Hook or by Crook”
Here is a simple memory trick:
Hook = one possible way.
Crook = another possible way.
Hook or crook = one way or another.
You do not need to remember a complicated historical explanation.
Just remember:
By Hook or by Crook
Imagine someone has an important goal. The normal path is blocked. Instead of giving up, they look for another path.
They might say:
“I’ll get it done by hook or by crook.”
The message is:
“I don’t know exactly how yet, but I’ll find a way.”
That is the easiest idea to keep in your mind.
A Real-Life Memory Example
Imagine your friend is moving to another city tomorrow, but their car breaks down.
You ask:
“How are you going to get there?”
Your friend says:
“By hook or by crook, I’ll be there tomorrow.”
Maybe they will take a bus. Maybe they will ask a friend for a ride. Maybe they will take a train.
The exact method is not important.
Getting there is the important part.
That is the heart of the expression.
Daily Life Examples of “By Hook or by Crook”
These examples show how the idiom can sound in normal conversations.
1. Talking About an Exam
Ali: “Are you ready for tomorrow’s exam?”
By Hook or by Crook
Sam means he is determined to pass and will try different ways to prepare.
2. Finishing Homework
“I have three assignments left, but I’ll finish them by hook or by crook tonight.”
The speaker is determined to complete everything.
3. Reaching a Destination
“The roads are blocked, but we’ll reach the airport by hook or by crook.”
The speaker will find another route or method.
4. Finding a Solution
“This problem looks difficult, but we’ll solve it by hook or by crook.”
The speaker refuses to give up.
5. Getting a Ticket
“The concert is almost sold out. I’m going to get a ticket by hook or by crook.”
The person is determined to find a ticket.
6. Completing a Work Project
“The deadline is tomorrow, so we have to finish this project by hook or by crook.”
The phrase emphasizes urgency and determination.
7. Saving Money
“I’m going on vacation next month, and I’ll save enough money by hook or by crook.”
The person plans to find ways to reach the savings goal.
8. Finding a Lost Item
“My passport is somewhere in this room. I’ll find it by hook or by crook.”
The speaker is determined to find it.
9. Meeting a Friend
“I promised to meet her today, so I’ll get there by hook or by crook.”
The speaker will find a way despite possible problems.
10. Achieving a Big Goal
“He has dreamed of starting his own business for years. By hook or by crook, he wants to make it happen.”
The expression shows strong determination.
Practice Section
Choose the best expression to complete each sentence.
1. I have to finish this report tonight ________.
A. by hook or by crook
B. by hook and crook
C. hook or crook
2. The phrase “by hook or by crook” usually means:
A. Using a fishing tool
B. By any means possible
C. Walking slowly
3. Which sentence uses the idiom correctly?
A. I will finish it by hook or by crook.
B. I will finish it hook and crook.
C. I will finish it by hooks or crooks.
4. Does the expression always mean that someone is dishonest?
A. Yes
B. No
5. Which expression has a similar meaning?
A. no matter what
B. very slowly
C. once in a while
Answers
1. A — by hook or by crook
The standard idiom is by hook or by crook.
2. B — By any means possible
That is the main modern meaning of the expression.
3. A — I will finish it by hook or by crook.
This is the standard form.
4. B — No
The expression can suggest questionable behavior, but context determines whether the meaning is negative.
5. A — no matter what
It has a similar idea of strong determination, although the meanings are not exactly identical.
FAQs
What does “by hook or by crook” mean?
By hook or by crook means by any means possible or by whatever method is necessary. It shows that someone is strongly determined to achieve a goal. Depending on the context, it can suggest honest persistence or questionable methods.
Is “by hook or by crook” an idiom?
Yes. By hook or by crook is a traditional English idiom. Its meaning cannot be understood simply by looking at the literal meanings of “hook” and “crook.” The complete expression means finding some way to achieve a desired result.
Is “by hook or by crook” formal or informal?
It can be used in both spoken and written English, but it has an idiomatic and slightly old-fashioned flavor. It is common enough to be understood by most English speakers. In very formal writing, phrases such as “by any means necessary” may sometimes sound more direct.
Does “by hook or by crook” mean dishonestly?
Not necessarily. The phrase can suggest that someone is willing to use unfair or questionable methods, especially when the context is negative. However, it can also simply mean that someone is determined to find a way to achieve something.
Can I use “by hook or by crook” in a question?
Yes, although it is more common in statements.
For example:
“Will you get the tickets by hook or by crook?”
This means:
“Will you find some way to get the tickets?”
The phrase can work naturally in questions when the context fits.
What is another way to say “by hook or by crook”?
You can use by any means possible, by any means necessary, somehow, one way or another, or no matter what, depending on the sentence. These alternatives do not always have exactly the same tone, so choose one that matches the situation.
Conclusion
By hook or by crook is a useful English idiom that means by any means possible or one way or another. It is mainly used to show strong determination to achieve a goal.
The most important thing to remember is that you should learn the phrase as one complete expression.
By Hook or by Crook
It can be used in positive, neutral, or negative situations.
A student might use it to talk about passing an exam, while a story might use it to describe someone who is willing to use dishonest methods.
The context gives the phrase its exact tone.
When speaking or writing English, use the standard form:
by hook or by crook
A simple memory trick is “one way or another.” If someone says they will accomplish something by hook or by crook, they are saying they will find a way.
The best way to remember this idiom is to use it in your own sentences. Once you see it in real conversations and stories, its meaning will feel much more natural.
