Videohook line and sinker

When you believe something hook line and sinker, you aren't just partially convinced; you have accepted a story or claim completely and without any reservation. This vivid adverbial idiom draws from the world of fishing to describe a state of total credulity, especially in the face of deception. While it functions as a synonym for wholeheartedly or totally, its specific imagery suggests that the listener has swallowed the entire trick, including the parts that should have caused alarm. In this lesson, we explore the specific verbs that naturally pair with this phrase, such as swallow, buy, or fall for. You will see how the idiom maintains its core meaning across different tenses and subjects, whether you are describing a past scam or issuing a future warning. We also contrast this expression with related idioms like lock, stock, and barrel to help you choose the most accurate term for your context. Watch the full lesson to master this essential English idiom.