hook, line and sinker
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
From all the parts of a fishing tackle that may be lost to a fish. Appeared in 1838 as a metaphor from angling.[1]
Adverb
- Completely; (of a belief or acceptance) naively or unquestioningly.
- I told him you were just a friend, and he fell for it hook, line and sinker.
Synonyms
Translations
(idiomatic) completely
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See also
References
- Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “hook”, in Online Etymology Dictionary: “Hook, line, and sinker 'completely' is 1838, a metaphor from angling.”
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