IN HOCKS Meaning and
Definition
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"In hocks" is an idiomatic expression that originated in gambling and financial contexts. It refers to a condition where an individual or organization is deeply indebted or in financial trouble. The term "hocks" typically relates to the related concept of pawn shops, where personal items can be redeemed after borrowing money against them. The phrase is derived from the historical practice of pledging valuable possessions in exchange for a loan.
When someone or something is described as being "in hocks," it implies that they owe a significant amount of money or are burdened by debt and are consequently facing financial difficulties. This phrase is often used to describe individuals, companies, or even governments facing severe financial strains, particularly when they are unable to meet their financial obligations or are nearing bankruptcy.
The term connotes a sense of financial vulnerability and reliance on external assistance to resolve the accumulating debts. It implies a state of being entrapped or constrained by the financial burden, often leading to a loss of control over one's financial situation. To remedy this condition, the individual or entity must find ways to repay the debts or seek assistance from lenders, creditors, or financial institutions.
Overall, "in hocks" serves as a vivid expression to describe a situation where an individual or organization is deeply indebted, experiencing financial distress, and struggling to regain financial stability.
Common Misspellings for IN HOCKS
- un hocks
- jn hocks
- kn hocks
- on hocks
- 9n hocks
- 8n hocks
- ib hocks
- im hocks
- ij hocks
- ih hocks
- in gocks
- in bocks
- in nocks
- in jocks
- in uocks
- in yocks
- in hicks
- in hkcks
- in hlcks
- in hpcks
Etymology of IN HOCKS
The phrase "in hocks" is derived from the noun "hock", which refers to the part of the hind leg of a horse just above the knee or equivalent joint in other animals. In the context of financial terms, "hocks" can be seen as a metaphorical reference to the position of a horse's hind legs when it is tied up or restrained.
The etymology of "hock" itself traces back to the Middle English word "hok" or "hocke", which meant the joint or bend of the knee. It can be further traced to the Old English word "hōh", which had the same meaning. The word has roots in the Proto-Germanic language, specifically from the word "hanhō", which meant "heel".
