Hook, line and sinker

usgb
phrase

Believe or accept something completely.

She told me a lie and I fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Visual representation of "hook, line and sinker" - Believe or accept something completely.

Often appears as...

  • fall for it hook
  • line and sinker

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "hook, line and sinker"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Metaphoric Meaning

The phrase originally refers to fishing equipment, but is used metaphorically to mean complete belief or acceptance.

Illustration for Metaphoric Meaning
When the magician performed, the audience bought the illusion hook, line and sinker.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Complete Trust

Used to express that someone has believed something with no doubt or suspicion.

Illustration for Complete Trust
The con artist's story was so convincing that the victim trusted him hook, line and sinker.
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Emphasizing Gullibility

Using this phrase can suggest someone was naive or easily fooled.

Illustration for Emphasizing Gullibility
He told them he was a prince, and they believed him hook, line and sinker.
Visual representation of the word "Hook, line and sinker"

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