hook, line and sinker

adverb

: without hesitation or reservation : completely
fell for the story hook, line and sinker

Examples of hook, line and sinker in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web And Tony Jackett, married, with six kids, nonetheless went for her, hook, line and sinker. Susan Spencer, CBS News, 6 July 2024 Despite this, the natural beauty of the Maldives was a complete hook, line and sinker. Kathleen Wong, USA TODAY, 31 Mar. 2024 Logan falls for it, hook, line and sinker. Washington Post, 22 Nov. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'hook, line and sinker.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

from analogy with a well-hooked fish

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hook, line and sinker was in 1838

Dictionary Entries Near hook, line and sinker

Cite this Entry

“Hook, line and sinker.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hook%2C%20line%20and%20sinker. Accessed 27 Jul. 2024.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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