by hook or crook

Idioms  

1. By any means possible, in one way or another. For example, The car broke down, but I'll get there by hook or crook. This term has a disputed origin. A widely held theory is that it comes from the custom of allowing commoners to take as much wood from royal forests as they could reach with a shepherd's crook and cut down with a billhook. [1300s] Also see the synonym by any means.

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Example Sentences

“It’s mixed news - on one hand you are always concerned when a leader is extending his time in office by hook or crook,” said Kevin Daly, senior investment manager at Aberdeen Standard Investments in London, whose firm holds OFZs.

From Reuters

"I have no choice over it in the first place. To me, we are the most beautiful creatures in the whole world; Black people. My job is to somehow make them curious enough, or persuade them, by hook or crook, to get more aware of themselves and where they came from and what they are into, and what is already there, and just to bring it out. This is what compels me to compel them. And I will do it by whatever means necessary."

From Salon

The transfer of know-how from rich countries to poorer ones, by hook or crook, is an integral part of economic development.

From Economist

She finishes having received, by hook or crook, a surprisingly well-rounded and strong education.

From Seattle Times

In theory, “horse-trading”, as the Indian press politely terms efforts to build a legislative majority by hook or crook, is illegal.

From Economist

Related Words

• anyway