by any means
by any means
In any possible way. Often used in the negative. We need to court that big investor by any means, so shameless flattery is a fine place to start! Not by any means shall our country be drawn into yet another war overseas.
See also: any, by, mean
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
by any means
by any way possible. I need to get there soon by any means. I must win this contest by any means, fair or unfair.
See also: any, by, mean
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
by any means
In any possible way, no matter how, as in By any means I've got to get there. [Late 1400s] Also see by hook or crook; by means of; by no means.
See also: any, by, mean
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
by any means
In any way possible; to any extent: not by any means an easy opponent.
See also: any, by, mean
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
- flattery will get you everywhere/nowhere
- flattery will get you nowhere
- butter up to (one)
- butter up
- cotton up
- cotton up to
- cotton up to (one)
- you (can) catch more flies with honey than (with) vinegar
- You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar
- you will catch more flies with honey than (with) vinegar