in hock
phrase
informal
1
: in the possession of a pawnbroker
His gold watch is in hock.
2
: in debt
He is in hock to his boss for several thousand dollars.
Cite this Entry
“In hock.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/in%20hock. Accessed 13 Mar. 2026.
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