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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
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

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 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!