by hook or crook
By any means
By hook or crook means by any means necessary, whether fair or foul.
The phrase suggests determination to achieve something regardless of method: She was going to get that promotion by hook or crook.
The exact origin is disputed, but the expression has meant resourceful persistence since medieval times.
- by any meansThrough any available method
- come hell or high waterDespite all obstacles
- opportunismExploiting circumstances for gain
- gray areaAmbiguous, ill-defined situation
- bending the rulesInterpreting guidelines loosely
resolve · do or die · rationalization · cleverness · creativity · craftiness · cutting corners · improvisation · expediency · tenacity · pragmatism · manipulation · adaptability · deception · cunning · under the table · perseverance · whatever it takes
by hook or crookby the book
Following established procedures exactly
legitimately · above board · on the level · fair and square · ethically
by hook or crookhalf-heartedly
With little genuine effort
passively · tentatively · indifferently · take it or leave it
hook, crook, hooks, crooks, hooked, hooking, crooked, crookedly, crookedness