get hooks in
get (one's) hooks in
To gain control or influence over someone or something, especially with an ulterior motive. Because of my family's fortune, my parents always worry that any girl I date is just trying to get her hooks in.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
get one's hooks in(to) someone or something
and get one's hooks inFig. to obtain a strong and possessive hold on someone or something. She just can't wait to get her hooks into him. He finally got in his hooks and guarded her jealously.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.