By hook or by crook
adverbial phrase
Doing anything necessary to achieve a goal.
He was determined to win the competition by hook or by crook.
Often appears as...
- achieve by hook or by crook
- get by hook or by crook
Usage tips
Idiomatic
adverbial phrase
Doing anything necessary to achieve a goal.
He was determined to win the competition by hook or by crook.
Often appears as...
- achieve by hook or by crook
- get by hook or by crook
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence
Suggests relentless effort to achieve something, despite difficulties.
She sought the job by hook or by crook, attending every networking event possible.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Negativity
Can imply unethical methods, so use carefully to avoid misunderstanding.
He acquired the rare book collection by hook or by crook, raising some eyebrows.
Pro Tip 3/3Informality
Used in casual or informal settings, less suitable for formal writing.
I’ll figure out this puzzle by hook or by crook, even if it takes all night.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence
Suggests relentless effort to achieve something, despite difficulties.
She sought the job by hook or by crook, attending every networking event possible.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Negativity
Can imply unethical methods, so use carefully to avoid misunderstanding.
He acquired the rare book collection by hook or by crook, raising some eyebrows.
Pro Tip 3/3Informality
Used in casual or informal settings, less suitable for formal writing.
I’ll figure out this puzzle by hook or by crook, even if it takes all night.
Pro Tip 1/3Persistence
Suggests relentless effort to achieve something, despite difficulties.
She sought the job by hook or by crook, attending every networking event possible.
Pro Tip 2/3Possible Negativity
Can imply unethical methods, so use carefully to avoid misunderstanding.
He acquired the rare book collection by hook or by crook, raising some eyebrows.
Pro Tip 3/3Informality
Used in casual or informal settings, less suitable for formal writing.
I’ll figure out this puzzle by hook or by crook, even if it takes all night.
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