Other Ways to Say "By hook or by crook"

Updated 2026-10-03 · Other Ways to Say It editorial team

Quick answer: When you want to express determination without sounding ruthless, you need other ways to say by hook or by crook. This phrase implies using any means necessary, often unethical ones. Here are refined alternatives that convey persistence and resolve while maintaining appropriate tone for your specific audience and context.

Formal Alternatives

By any means necessary: The committee will secure the funding by any means necessary to ensure the project launches on schedule.
At all costs: Patient confidentiality must be protected at all costs, regardless of the external pressure applied by the media.
With unwavering determination: She approached the complex legal case with unwavering determination, refusing to let minor setbacks derail her progress.
Through persistent effort: The team achieved their quarterly targets through persistent effort, working late nights to finalize the critical deliverables.
By whatever methods required: The security team will restore system access by whatever methods required to ensure business continuity during the outage.
With resolute commitment: He entered the negotiation with resolute commitment, ensuring that the core values of the organization remained intact.
Via rigorous diligence: The researchers uncovered the truth via rigorous diligence, cross-referencing decades of archival data and witness testimony.
By exhaustive measures: The city council implemented the new safety protocols by exhaustive measures, leaving no avenue for potential risk unexamined.
With steadfast resolve: The nonprofit will expand its services with steadfast resolve, ensuring that every community member receives adequate support.
Through comprehensive action: The engineering department addressed the structural flaws through comprehensive action, reinforcing the foundation before the storm season.

Professional and Email Alternatives

We will make this happen: Dear Team, we are fully committed to the deadline, so we will make this happen regardless of the current supply chain issues.
I will ensure completion: Hi Sarah, I have taken ownership of the client report and will ensure completion by end of day Friday without fail.
We are dedicated to success: Hello everyone, despite the recent budget cuts, we are dedicated to success and will reallocate resources to meet our goals.
I will find a solution: Dear John, I understand the technical hurdle is significant, but I will find a solution that satisfies both engineering and marketing.
We will overcome this obstacle: Hi Team, the vendor delay is frustrating, but we will overcome this obstacle by leveraging our secondary supplier network immediately.
I am committed to the outcome: Dear Manager, I am committed to the outcome of this merger and will work weekends if needed to finalize the due diligence.
We will deliver the results: Hi Clients, rest assured that we will deliver the results you expect, even if it requires extending our operational hours temporarily.
I will navigate the challenges: Dear Colleagues, the regulatory changes are complex, but I will navigate the challenges to ensure our compliance remains perfect.
We will secure the objective: Hi Leadership, we will secure the objective of market expansion by intensifying our outreach efforts in the upcoming quarter.
I will see this through: Dear Partner, I appreciate the shared concern, and I will see this through to completion with the highest standard of care.

Casual Alternatives

No matter what: I am going to that concert no matter what, even if I have to stand in the rain for hours.
By any means: He wanted to finish the video game by any means, even if it meant skipping his morning coffee run.
Come hell or high water: She promised to attend the wedding come hell or high water, so she flew in despite the snowstorm.
Rain or shine: We are having the barbecue rain or shine, so everyone should bring snacks and dress for the weather.
By fair means or foul: The kids tried to guess the secret code by fair means or foul, peeking at the note hidden in the drawer.
By hook or by crook: He said he would fix the broken fence by hook or by crook, though he probably just used duct tape.
Whatever it takes: I will get us to the airport whatever it takes, even if I have to drive through three different neighborhoods.
By any trick or trickery: The magician made the coin disappear by any trick or trickery that kept the audience completely baffled.
By force if needed: We need to clear this schedule by force if needed, canceling the unnecessary meetings to focus on the project.

Warm and Friendly Alternatives

We will figure it out together: Do not worry about the broken vase; we will figure it out together and maybe even create something new from it.
I will do my very best: I want to help you move this weekend, so I will do my very best to arrive early with the truck.
Let us find a way: The recipe seems complicated, but let us find a way to simplify the steps so we can cook it together.
I am here to help: You seem overwhelmed with the paperwork, so remember I am here to help you organize it all.
We can make this work: Even though the schedule is tight, we can make this work if we prioritize the most important tasks first.
I will try my hardest: I am not sure if I can win the race, but I will try my hardest to finish with a smile.
Let us tackle this kindly: The neighbor is upset about the noise, so let us tackle this kindly by apologizing and offering a small gift.
We will support you fully: Starting a new job is scary, but please know that we will support you fully through every transition.

When the Original Phrase Is Still Fine

The phrase by hook or by crook retains its power in informal storytelling or dramatic contexts where the intensity of the speaker's determination is the main point. It works well in fiction, personal anecdotes, or casual banter among friends who understand its historical roots. Using it in these settings adds flavor and emphasis, signaling that the outcome is non-negotiable, even if the methods might be questionable. However, in professional or sensitive environments, it can imply a willingness to break rules, which may undermine trust.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Select your alternative based on the level of formality and the ethical implications you wish to convey. For business communications, choose phrases like by any means necessary or with unwavering determination to show resolve without suggesting unethical behavior. In casual conversation, idioms like come hell or high water add emotional weight and character. Always consider your audience's perception; if you want to emphasize cooperation, use warm alternatives like we will figure it out together. Matching the tone to the context ensures your message is received as intended.

Short and Simple Alternatives

At any cost: We must finish the project at any cost.
By all means: Please take the document by all means available.
Come what may: We will launch the product come what may.
In any way: I will help you in any way I can.
Stop at nothing: The team will stop at nothing to win.
Regardless of outcome: Proceed with the plan regardless of outcome.
Through thick and thin: We stand by our partners through thick and thin.

Alternatives for Text Messages

I'll make it work: I'll make it work, don't worry!
Got this handled: Got this handled. You can relax.
Will find a way: Will find a way to fix the bug.
On it, trust me: On it, trust me. Results soon.
All in my hands: All in my hands. Just wait.
Sure thing, boss: Sure thing, boss. It's done.
Nailing it down: Nailing it down right now. Bye.
Mission accomplished soon: Mission accomplished soon. Hold tight.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is by hook or by crook considered rude?

It can be perceived as aggressive or ruthless because it implies using unethical or illegal methods to achieve a goal. In professional settings, it may suggest a lack of integrity.

What is the origin of by hook or by crook?

The phrase dates back to Elizabethan England, referring to vagabonds who stole wood using a hook for branches above waist height and a crook for lower branches, or by force.

Can I use by any means necessary in a resume?

It is generally too aggressive for a resume. Instead, use phrases like demonstrated persistence or achieved goals through strategic planning to show determination without sounding overly intense.

What is a polite way to say I will do anything to succeed?

You can say I am fully committed to achieving the desired outcome through diligent effort and strategic planning, which sounds professional and ethical.