Definition
上钩 is a separable verb (离合词) that literally means 'to take the bait' when a fish bites a hook, and figuratively means 'to fall into a trap' or 'to be tricked into something'. When you want to add a time duration, aspect marker, or measure word, the verb and object can split: 上了钩 (took the bait), 上过钩 (have taken the bait before). The figurative use is common in contexts of scams, schemes, or traps.
v.o.
(lit.) to take the bait (of a fish)(fig.) to fall for a trickto be trapped
Examples
- 上钩。Nà tiáo yú zhōngyú shǎng le.That fish finally took the bait.
- ，。Tā yī kāishǐ méi shàngdàng, hòulái háishì shàng le gōu.He didn't fall for it at first, but later he still took the bait.
- ，上钩。Piànzi shè le ge quāntào, hěn duō tānxīn de rén dōu shǎng le.The scammer set a trap, and many greedy people fell for it.
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