By hook or by crook means do something using any method possible.
Synonyms
- by any means;
- in whatever way is possible;
- in one way or another;
- by fair means or foul.
Origin
It is rather a case of taking your choice here. One reputed origin is that about two centuries ago the two leading K. C.'s (*) were a Mr. Hook and a Mr. Crook (lawyers), both very much sought after and both very successful. This gave rise to the saying: 'I'll win by Hook or by Crook."
Another version is that it refferred to a tool carried by petty thieves. It had a hook to lift clothes off clothes-lines and a crook to gather articles from the tables set near open windows.
The third version is that the poor of a Manor were formerly allowed to go into forests to gather wood for the winter. The hook they carried raked the pieces together from the undergrowth; but they also had a crook which they attached to the staff to enable them to pull down dead branches from the trees. They intended to find wood by the usual hook - or by crook.
Note:
* K. C.: In the United Kingdom and in some Commonwealth countries during the reign of a king is a King's Counsel that is an honorable title which grants many privileges. K. C. was appointed by the monarch of the country to be one of 'His Majesty's Counsel learned in the law'. Usually K.C. performed the duties of barrister or advocate who is a senior counsel in court cases.
Examples
'By hook or by crook' in sentences:
It is a jungle economy. The general result of this system's operation over a long period is that relatively a handful of rich capitalists have, by hook or by crook (mostly crook), grabbed possession of big industries, banks, railroads, and shipping lines, as well as most of the nation's natural resources, such as coal, oil, iron, copper and lumber.(W. Foster. 'The Twilight of World Capitalism', ch. IV)
Ickes noted: 'I spent a lot of time arguing with the president that, by hook or by crook, we ought to accede to England's request.'(R. E. Sherwood. 'Roosevelt and Hopkins'. ch. VIII)