Pronunciation: [wɛnt ˌɪntʊ hˈɒk] (IPA) 
The phrase "went into hock" is commonly used to describe someone who has borrowed a significant amount of money and is now in debt. The word "hock" is spelled with a silent "k" and is pronounced /hɑk/. The origin of this word comes from the Dutch word "hok" which means "jail" or "prison" and in English, it refers to "pawnshop". So, "went into hock" can be understood as going into debt by pawning something valuable.
Went into hock is an idiomatic expression used to describe a financial situation in which an individual or organization borrows money or incurs debt, often as a result of financial mismanagement or unexpected circumstances. This phrase typically implies a certain degree of financial vulnerability or desperation.
The term "hock" originally referred to a pawnshop, where individuals could pledge their personal belongings as collateral in exchange for a loan. Therefore, when someone "went into hock," it meant they placed an item of value into pawn in order to obtain a loan. Over time, the phrase has evolved to represent any situation in which someone incurs debt or borrows money, often with the intention of repaying the lender at a later time.
Today, "went into hock" is commonly used figuratively to describe situations where individuals or organizations accumulate debt or financial obligations beyond their means, often resulting in a precarious financial position. It suggests that the person or entity is heavily dependent on borrowed funds and may struggle to repay the debt in a timely manner. Additionally, going into hock implies that the borrower may have limited financial options available and may need to make sacrifices or face potential consequences to resolve their financial obligations.
