Hook Line and Sinker Meaning, Examples, Synonyms

The idiom “hook line and sinker” is an expression often used to describe someone who has been completely deceived or tricked, typically in a situation where they have believed something without any scepticism or doubt. 

It originates from fishing, where a fisherman uses a hook, a fishing line, and a sinker (a weight) to catch fish.

In a figurative sense, if someone falls for something “hook line and sinker,” it means they have fallen for a deceptive or false claim or have been easily convinced or manipulated without questioning or investigating further.

It implies that they have been completely and unquestioningly taken in by the deception, much like a fish that bites the bait and gets caught on the hook line and sinker.

Usage with Examples

The idiom “hook line and sinker” can be used in various contexts to emphasize that someone has been completely deceived or taken in by something. Mentioned below are some examples where you can use the idiom Hook line and sinker:

• “Despite the lack of evidence, he bought into the conspiracy theory hook, line, and sinker.”(This sentence indicates that the person unquestioningly believed the conspiracy theory without critically evaluating the evidence.)
• “The salesman was so persuasive that I fell for his pitch hook, line, and sinker.”(In this case, the person was completely convinced by the salesman’s pitch and made a decision without considering any doubts or reservations.)
• “She fell in love with him at first sight and believed his promises hook line and sinker.” (This example suggests that the person was easily charmed and trusted the other person’s promises without scepticism or hesitation.)

Also Read: Useful Idioms with Examples, Sentences and Meanings

Synonyms and Similar Words to Hook Line and Sinker 

Mentioned below are some synonyms and related words to hook line and sinker:

• Completely
• Totally
• Wholeheartedly
• Without reservation
• Thoroughly
• Absolutely
• Entirely
• Lock, stock, and barrel
• All the way
• Without hesitation

Hook Line and Sinker Idiom Meaning Quiz

Which of the following sentences uses the idiom correctly?

a) Sarah fell for his joke hook, line, and sinker.

b) John couldn’t catch the fish with hook, line, and sinker.

c) They went fishing and caught a big fish hook, line, and sinker.

Answer: a) Sarah fell for his joke hook, line, and sinker.

Also Read: Idioms for IELTS

This was all about the idiom Hook line and sinker meaning and examples. Hope you understood the concept where it’s used. For more such blogs, follow Leverage Edu.