World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBy-Hook-or-By-Crook
/baɪ hʊk ɔr baɪ krʊk/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
By any means necessary; using any method to achieve a goal.
"He was determined to win the competition, by hook or by crook." - 2
An expression indicating a willingness to use unconventional or dubious methods to achieve an end.
"She planned to get the promotion by hook or by crook, even if it meant stepping on others."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The phrase 'by hook or by crook' is believed to have originated in England during the 14th century. It is thought to refer to the use of a hook for fishing or a crook for shepherding, symbolizing the idea of achieving a goal by any means necessary, whether fair or foul.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "By-Hook-or-By-Crook"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "By-Hook-or-By-Crook" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
par tous les moyens
Transliteration: par tous les moyens
"Il voulait gagner la compétition par tous les moyens."
mit allen Mitteln
Transliteration: mit allen Mitteln
"Er wollte den Wettbewerb mit allen Mitteln gewinnen."
con ogni mezzo
Transliteration: con ogni mezzo
"Voleva vincere la competizione con ogni mezzo."
por cualquier medio
Transliteration: por cualquier medio
"Quería ganar la competencia por cualquier medio."
por qualquer meio
Transliteration: por qualquer meio
"Ele queria ganhar a competição por qualquer meio."
किसी भी तरह से
Transliteration: kisi bhi tarah se
"वह प्रतियोगिता किसी भी तरह से जीतना चाहता था।"
不择手段
Transliteration: bù zé shǒu duàn
"他想不择手段地赢得比赛。"
어떤 수단을 써서라도
Transliteration: eotteon sudan-eul sseoseorado
"그는 어떤 수단을 써서라도 대회를 이기고 싶어했다."
手段を選ばず
Transliteration: shudan o erabazu
"彼は手段を選ばずに競技に勝ちたかった。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
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The quality of having strong moral principles and a complex personality.
A symbol or sign believed to have magical power, often used in rituals.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "By-Hook-or-By-Crook"
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