1. by hook or crook

释义：By any means. （不择手段，想方设法达到目的或去得到你想得到的东西）

用法：这个短语也可以在crook的前面加上借此by，即：by hook or by crook。

例句：I'll get the job done by hook or by crook.

我会想方设法来完成这项工作。

I must have that house. I intend to get it by hook or crook.

我必须拥有那所房子，所以我打算要不择手段地得到它。

I sure feel guilty about not getting home the last few years to spend Christmas with mother and dad. But this year I'll get home by hook or crook, no matter what!

过去几年我都没有回家跟我父母一起过圣诞节。我心里觉得很不应该。但是，今年不管怎么样我也得想尽一切办法回家过圣诞节。

Everyone likes to be promoted, that's perfectly understandable. But David is trying to get that promotion by hook or crook; he even spread rumors smearing the other candidates. This is awful!

每个人都想被提升，这是完全可以理解的。但是，戴维德为了这次能够被提升正在千方百计地想办法。他甚至散布谣言，诬蔑其他有可能被提升的人。这太不像话了。

2. drop off the hook

释义：To die. （死亡）

例句：If the Duke should drop off the hooks before his will is revised, the estate would pass to his eldest son instead of me.

如果公爵在他的遗嘱修改之前死亡，那么遗产就会传给他的长子，而不是我。

And who, pray tell, will provide for you once I've dropped off the hooks?

请告诉我：一旦我离世，谁来供养你？

3. get the hook

释义：To be relieved of a particular job or task. （解雇，被免除某项工作或任务）

例句：In this company you can get the hook for slightest mistake.

在这家公司，你犯个小错就可能被解雇。

You'll get the hook if you goof off too much at work.

如果你在上班时太偷懒，你会被开除。

He told them they better shape up or they'll get the hook.

他告诉他们要好好干，否则就会被解雇。

If you can' t deliver improved sales figures, you will get the hook !

你要是不能提高销售额, 就把你解雇！