Given the hook

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Given the hook" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when introducing a specific point or idea that serves as an attention-grabber or main theme in a discussion or narrative. Example: "Given the hook of the story, the audience was immediately drawn in and eager to learn more."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Finally, he's given the hook.

The New York Times

We're midway into the fall season, that dispiriting ritual when network pilots are shoved into prime time, then given the hook, until only the strong — or, often, the crass — survive.

The New Yorker

Boucher was given the hook by Coach Peter Laviolette in the second period, making this the sixth of 10 playoff games in which a Flyers starting goalie did not finish the game.

The New York Times - Sports

"Can't no old man do nothin' for me but bring me a message from… In the fiftieth episode of "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia," two pathetic drunks, Dennis and Mac, brainstorm about an online personal ad for their deadbeat… We're midway into the fall season, that dispiriting ritual when network pilots are shoved into prime time, then given the hook, until only the strong — or,….

The New Yorker

Even amid the madness of March, here's guessing UCLA fans would not consider this an acceptable fail rate, especially considering that several good UCLA coaches have danced much better and still been given the hook.

Los Angeles Times

It opens with what seems to be a short tribute to Antibalas's "Beaten Metal" before blaring into what I thought would be the title track, given the hook, but which is actually "Special Girl".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

He got a hint when President Bush walked in with an upraised arm, giving the "Hook 'em Horns" sign.

The New York Times

Lining up in front of the stage, the band played a stirring rendition of "The Eyes of Texas Are Upon You" while Evan, Gwen, Julie, and I stood behind them, happily giving the "Hook 'em 'horns" salute.

The New Yorker

Asked if Vince's inclination to drive at the ball is something that needs tempering, Bayliss replied: "We've probably all seen it before – does the 'happy hooker' give the hook shot away?

The Guardian - Sport

Over there, Tony Blair's team of groovy reformers is gleefully giving the hook to the six-hundred-plus dukes, earls, countesses, barons, and other winners in the lottery of birth who currently hold a majority of the seats in the upper house of Britain's national legislature..

The New Yorker

Before the weight test, give the hook a few, strong tugs.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Given the hook" to describe a situation where someone or something is abruptly removed or terminated, especially from a performance or competition.

Common error

Avoid using "Given the hook" in contexts where a gradual or voluntary withdrawal is more appropriate. This phrase implies a sudden and often unwelcome removal.

Linguistic Context

"Given the hook" functions as a prepositional phrase that often describes a situation where someone is abruptly removed or terminated from an activity, performance, or position. Ludwig's examples show its use in sports and entertainment contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Sports

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "Given the hook" is a prepositional phrase denoting the abrupt removal or termination of someone from a performance, game, or position. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its common usage in news and sports media. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it implies a sudden and often unwelcome removal. Related phrases include "pulled from the game" and "taken out of the match". Remember to use this phrase when you need to convey a sudden and decisive removal, and avoid it in contexts requiring a more gradual or voluntary withdrawal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Pulled from the game

Focuses on the action of removing someone from a game or activity.

Taken out of the match

Emphasizes removal specifically from a competitive match or contest.

Removed from play

Highlights the state of being excluded from active participation.

Benched

A more concise and informal term for being taken out of a game.

Substituted out

Indicates replacement by another player or participant.

Replaced

A general term for being exchanged with another person or thing.

Dismissed

Implies a formal removal, often from a position or role.

Fired

Conveys termination from employment or a similar formal situation.

Axed

A more dramatic and abrupt term for being removed or terminated.

Ousted

Suggests being forcefully removed, often from a position of power.

FAQs

How can I use "Given the hook" in a sentence?

You can use "Given the hook" to describe the act of being removed from a game or performance, such as "The quarterback was "given the hook" after a series of poor plays."

What does "Given the hook" mean?

"Given the hook" typically means to be removed or replaced, often abruptly, from a performance, game, or other activity. It implies a termination or substitution.

What's a less formal way to say "Given the hook"?

Less formal alternatives to "Given the hook" include "pulled from the game", "benched", or simply "taken out".

Is "Given the hook" only used in sports?

While "Given the hook" is commonly used in sports to describe a player being removed from a game, it can also be used in other contexts to describe someone being abruptly terminated or replaced.