By hook or by crook 🪝🩼

Meaning

To achieve a goal by any possible means, whether fair or foul.

Origin

In medieval England, strict forest laws protected royal and noble hunting grounds, severely restricting commoners' access to timber. However, a customary right sometimes allowed villagers to gather firewood from these protected lands, but only what they could reach with a shepherd's crook (a curved staff) or pull down with a billhook (a cutting tool). This precise legal distinction—taking only fallen branches or deadwood easily accessible by these tools—drew a clear line between what was permissible and what was not. Over time, this specific legal loophole broadened into a general expression for achieving a goal by any means possible, whether through legitimate methods ("by hook") or less conventional, perhaps even illicit, ones ("by crook").

By hook or by crook represented with emoji🪝🩼

This playful display functions as a whimsical reminder that the pursuit of one's goals can lead down unexpected, and sometimes, decidedly unconventional paths. It underscores the idea that determination, much like a trusty hook or a more modern crutch, will find a way, no matter the obstacles.

Examples

• She was determined to finish the challenging project by hook or by crook, even if it meant working through the night.
• The politician vowed to win the upcoming election by hook or by crook, hinting at some questionable campaign tactics.