fall for something hook, line, and sinker

Meaning: To believe something completely, usually in the sense of being fooled.

Example: “He fell for the fake job offer hook, line, and sinker.”

Equivalents in other languages

Dutch: Iets voor zoete koek aannemen Literally: To accept something as sweet cake
German: auf den Leim gehen Literally: To go onto the birdlime

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Origin: From fishing: a very hungry fish may swallow not only the baited hook but the line and the lead weight (sinker) as well. The phrase for being completely fooled is recorded from the 19th century.

More English idioms

in a rut In a boring routine.
in Dutch with someone In trouble.
in full swing At the peak of activity or intensity.
in one's element In one's most comfortable or favorite environment.
have someone in stitches To make someone laugh very hard.
in the bag A sure thing; success is assured.

Explore another collection: False Friends

Words that look familiar in another language but mean something else entirely.

Bekommen Actually means 'to receive' or 'to get'. To become is werden.
Déception Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.

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Equivalents in other languages

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Explore another collection: False Friends