The phrase hook, line, and sinker

FISHY
FISHING EXPEDITION
A "fishing expedition" refers to an attempt to gather information or evidence without a specific reason, akin to going on a fishing trip hoping to catch something without knowing what you'll find. It is often used in legal contexts to describe a non-specific search for incriminating information. In informal language, it can also imply a broad and unfocused inquiry into a subject.
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The phrase "hook, line, and sinker" means to be completely deceived or fooled by something. It originates from fishing, where a fish swallows the bait, the hook, the line, and the sinker, indicating that it has been fully taken in. In modern usage, it describes someone who believes something completely without questioning it, often due to trickery or deception.

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hook, line and sinker
adverb
: without hesitation or reservation : completely
fell for the story hook, line and sinker

Examples of hook, line and sinker in a Sentence

Fortunately for the temple priests, Berenice and Ptolemy swallowed this bull hook, line and sinker.
—Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 25 May 2025
The Nazis took the bait, hook, line and sinker, and skedaddled to Sardinia, smoothing the way for the Allies to take Sicily, a major turning point in World War II.
—Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune, 21 Mar. 2025


Etymology
from analogy with a well-hooked fish

First Known Use
1838, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hook, line and sinker was in 1838
See more words from the same year

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EPSTEIN ‘BS’ Furious Trump lays into ‘bulls**t’ Epstein murder ‘HOAX’… but admits MAGA fans are falling for it ‘hook line and sinker’