What Does “By Hook or By Crook” Mean and How to Use It in IELTS?

When preparing for the IELTS exam, understanding and correctly using idiomatic expressions can greatly enhance your writing and speaking scores. One such idiom is “by hook or by crook.” In this article, we will explore the meaning, usage, and examples of this idiom, as well as how it can be effectively incorporated into your IELTS exam responses.

What Does “By Hook or By Crook” Mean?

“By hook or by crook” is an idiomatic expression that means achieving something by any means necessary, whether fair or foul. It implies persistence and determination in reaching a goal, even if unconventional or unethical methods are used when necessary.

• By Hook or By Crook (baɪ hʊk ɔːr baɪ krʊk) (phrase): To achieve something by any possible means, whether ethical or not.
  • Example: He was determined to win the competition by hook or by crook.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Here are some synonyms and antonyms for “by hook or by crook” with examples to expand your vocabulary:

• Synonyms:

  1. At Any Cost (ət ˈeni kɔːst): Despite all challenges.
     • Example: She wanted to pass the exam at any cost.
  2. By All Means (baɪ ɔːl miːnz): Using any method available.
     • Example: He will try to secure the contract by all means.
  3. By Any Means Necessary (baɪ ˈeni miːnz ˈnesɪsəri): Adopting whatever approach is required.
     • Example: They will achieve their goal by any means necessary.
  4. Come Hell or High Water (kʌm hɛl ɔːr haɪ ˈwɔːtə): Despite any obstacles.
     • Example: She will complete the project come hell or high water.

• Antonyms:

  1. By the Book (baɪ ðə bʊk): Following rules and regulations strictly.
     • Example: Unlike his predecessor, he does everything by the book.
  2. Fair and Square (fɛə ənd skwɛə): In an honest and fair manner.
     • Example: She won the game fair and square.

Analysing the Idiom in the IELTS Exam

Usage in IELTS Speaking and Writing

Idiomatic expressions like “by hook or by crook” can be used to demonstrate a higher level of English proficiency, especially in the writing and speaking sections of the IELTS exam. Here’s how you can incorporate this idiom effectively:

Example Sentences for IELTS

1. Task 2 Writing Example:

   • Situation: Discussing strategies to achieve a goal.
     • Example: “Governments should ensure, by hook or by crook, that education is accessible to all children, irrespective of their socio-economic background.”
   • Analysis: This sentence illustrates the persistence required to achieve the goal of universal education.

2. Speaking Part 3 Example:

   • Question: “Do you think people should achieve success by any means necessary?”
     • Response: “In my opinion, achieving success by hook or by crook is not always justified. Ethical methods and hard work should be prioritised over dubious means.”
   • Analysis: This response uses the idiom to express a viewpoint, showing command over nuanced English.

Expanding Your Vocabulary with Related Idioms

Using related idioms can further enrich your language skills. Here are some idiomatic expressions that convey a similar sense of determination and effort:

1. Burn the Midnight Oil (bɜːn ðə ˈmɪdnaɪt ɔɪl): To work late into the night.

   • Example: To meet the deadline, John had to burn the midnight oil.

2. Leave No Stone Unturned (liːv nəʊ stəʊn ʌnˈtɜːnd): To try every possible method to achieve something.

   • Example: The police left no stone unturned in their search for the missing child.

3. Against All Odds (əˈɡeɪnst ɔːl ɒdz): In spite of significant obstacles.

   • Example: She completed her studies against all odds.

4. Break One’s Back (breɪk wʌnz bæk): To put in a lot of effort.

   • Example: He broke his back to bring the project to completion.

5. Move Heaven and Earth (muːv ˈhɛvn ənd ɜːθ): To do everything possible to achieve something.

   • Example: To save the company, they moved heaven and earth.

examples-of-determination

Conclusion

Understanding and using idioms like “by hook or by crook” can significantly enhance your IELTS performance, particularly in the speaking and writing sections. This idiom, along with its synonyms and related expressions, provides you with a versatile tool for demonstrating linguistic fluency and depth. Remember to practise using these idioms in context to make them a natural part of your language skills.

By incorporating these idiomatic expressions effectively, you’ll be better prepared to tackle various topics and questions in your IELTS exam. Keep practising, and good luck!