When we say someone "goes into hock," we mean they have pawned something valuable for a loan. The phrase comes from the Yiddish word "hok," meaning debt. In IPA transcription, it would sound like /ˈhɑk/. It's unclear where the "c" in "hock" comes from, but some theories suggest it represents the German pronunciation of the "ch" sound. Regardless of its origins, "hock" remains a commonly used term in English for pawning or borrowing money against collateral.
The phrase "goes into hock" is an idiomatic expression that is often used informally to mean going into debt or borrowing a large sum of money to meet financial obligations. It typically refers to a situation where an individual or organization has exhausted their available funds and resorts to borrowing money as a temporary solution.
In a more formal dictionary definition, "goes into hock" means to pledge or pawn one's belongings, securities, or assets as collateral to obtain a loan. The term "hock" originates from a pawnbroker's or moneylender's practice of accepting valuable items as security for a loan. When someone "goes into hock," they essentially pledge their valuables or assets in exchange for a loan, putting them at risk of losing the pledged possessions if they are unable to repay the debt.
This phrase is primarily used to describe financial difficulties or desperate measures taken by individuals or businesses to overcome a financial crisis. It suggests a situation where one is forced to sacrifice personal belongings or assets to obtain the necessary funds to fulfill financial obligations.
Overall, "goes into hock" conveys the idea of entering into debt by offering valuable items as security or collateral for a loan, emphasizing the temporary nature of the solution and the potential consequences if the debt is not repaid.