Question

in_the_loop_360 to believe something completely, usually in the sense of being fooled The expression originates from fishing. One expects the fish to bite only the hook, but in some cases the fish might be taken in so completely and foolishly that it swallows not only the hook but the fishing line and the sinker as well.

Accepted Answer

HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER, FALL FOR/SWALLOW (SOMETHING) The children made up such a believable story that their mother fell for it hook, line and sinker.The salesman was such a smooth talker, he could make anyone believe his stories. People always swallowed them hook, line and sinker.

Id	in_the_loop_360
Idiom	HOOK, LINE, AND SINKER, FALL FOR/SWALLOW (SOMETHING)
Definition	to believe something completely, usually in the sense of being fooled
Examples	The children made up such a believable story that their mother fell for it hook, line and sinker. The salesman was such a smooth talker, he could make anyone believe his stories. People always swallowed them hook, line and sinker.
Extra Info	The expression originates from fishing. One expects the fish to bite only the hook, but in some cases the fish might be taken in so completely and foolishly that it swallows not only the hook but the fishing line and the sinker as well.

Hook Line Sinker Fish Loop Fall For/Swallow Completely