Phrase

Posted by Word Camel on January 07, 2002

In Reply to: Phrase posted by Carol P. on January 07, 2002

: Where did Hook Line and Sinker originate from and what exactly does it mean?

It refers to fishing. Fishing involves a hook, fishing line and a lead weight called a sinker that helps the hook stay down at the depth where the fish are feeding. A fish may nibble at the bait, but when it takes the hook - and by association, the line and the sinker, it is well and truly caught.

For someone to fall for a deception "hook, line and sinker" means to accept it without question, or to take the bait.

I'm not sure where it was first used.

• Phrase masakim 01/07/02