Gesundheit!
During the Middle Ages most people believed that the devil could
enter man's body easily when he sneezed, because at that propitious
moment he left his body vulnerable. However, this catastrophic event 
could be avoided if another person immediately made an entreaty to God.
It was the practice began of saying "God bless you" after someone sneezes.
The tradition continues today, few people are aware of its history. A 
superstition originates in ignorance-when people are unsure of the causes
of events. But it continues inviolable over years because it usually
represents man's deepest fears.


on his own hook--The soldier said he would investigate behind the enemy
lines on his own hook.
(without others' help.)