by hook or by crook
Meaning: By one way or another; by any means possible.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: The Absurd
Origin: The expression connotes that rules or convention may be broken in order to achieve the goal.
More idioms — The Absurd
- cast pearls before swine — To offer something to someone who cannot appreciate it.
- clown around — To act silly.
- come off it! — A response to a statement that cannot be believed (sentence 1) or a behavior that must be…
- for crying out loud — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!" It carries no literal…
- for goodness' sake — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!" It carries no literal…
- for heaven's sake — An expletive that means "This is ridiculous!" or "I've had enough!" It carries no literal…
More English idioms
- go by the book — Operate according to the rules.
- do something by the seat of one's pants — To accomplish something by luck and instinct rather than skill.
- call someone on the carpet — To confront or hold someone responsible for some misdeed.
- call someone's bluff — To challenge someone to carry out a threat or prove the truth of a statement.
- call a spade a spade — To speak plainly or call something by its right name, even if it is unpleasant.
- call the shots — To be in control or to give orders.
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