Ah, summertime, it makes you think of beaches, picnics, and fishing. Many commonly used English phrases come from fishing–let’s take a look at their original meanings.
1. Off the hook
Fishing meaning – This refers to the fish that got off the hook before it could be reeled in; the fish that got away.
How we use this in everyday English – “To let someone off the hook” means that you are not going to hold him (or her) responsible for something.
Example: Bob offered to drive me to the airport, so you’re off the hook for Sunday.
2. Open a can of worms
Fishing meaning – Originally, bait shops sold worms for fishing in cans, which were easy to open but difficult to close (because the worms kept wiggling out).
How we use this everyday English – When someone makes a comment or does something that seems to be simple but then causes problems.
Example: I asked her about her boyfriend, which really opened a can of worms because it turned out that they had just broken up.
3. Hook, line, and sinker
Fishing meaning – Parts of a fishing rod. The hook catches the fish, the line is the string and the sinker is the weight attached to keep the line under water. When a fish takes the hook, part of the line, and the sinker, it is completely trapped.
How we use this in everyday English – “To fall hook, line, and sinker” for something means to be tricked into believing something completely.
Example: I told my boss I was sick and she fell for the excuse hook, line, and sinker.
4. Hooked on
Fishing meaning – To be caught on a hook
How we use this in everyday English – There are two ways you can use “hooked on”. One meaning is that someone is completely captivated by something. The other meaning is that someone is addicted to drugs.
Example: I am completely hooked on this new TV show. I can’t wait until the next episode!
5. Reel in
Fishing meaning – To bring in a fish attached to a line by turning a reel.
How we use this in everyday English – To attract someone to something.
Example: The smell of freshly baked bread coming from the bakery never fails to reel in the customers.
Taken from https://voxy.com/blog/index.php/2012/09/5-common-fishing-idioms/
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