by fair means or foul

by fair means or foul

By any means necessary—moral or not. A: "But we're not allowed to submit more than one entry per person." B: "Oh, forget that—we are winning this contest by fair means or foul!"
See also: by, fair, foul, mean
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

by fair means or foul

If someone tries to achieve something by fair means or foul, they use any possible method to achieve it, not caring if their behaviour is dishonest or unfair. They will do everything they can to win, by fair means or foul. She never gave up trying to recover her property, by fair means or foul.
See also: by, fair, foul, mean
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

by ˌfair means or ˈfoul

even if unfair methods are used: He’s determined to buy that company by fair means or foul.
See also: by, fair, foul, mean
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • not for a second
  • not for a minute
  • not for a moment
  • not for a instant
  • not for a/one minute/moment/second/instant
  • by no means
  • not by any means
  • aint
  • ain't
  • (I) hope not
References in periodicals archive
But having kept James quiet - by fair means or foul - during the meeting between the sides at Loftus Road, it's been claimed that Rangel gestured towards his pocket in reference to limiting the impact of Swansea's flying wideman.
The explanation given for Angel Rangel's 'deluded' tweet after Swansea City's loss to QPR; The Spaniard annoyed a lot of Swansea fans with a Twitter post after QPR's win against his former club
With four days until the polls close, Pontypridd MP Mr Smith accused Mr Corbyn's hard left supporters in Momentum of seeking to gain control of the party "by fair means or foul" through a campaign of bullying and intimidation.
Labour is heading for disaster says Smith
Jealous Julia Roberts (below) aims to win back the affection of lovestruck Dermot Mulroney by fair means or foul - mainly foul - in riotous rom-com from Muriel's Wedding director PJ Hogan.
MONDAY
Elizabeth is used to getting her own way and she declares war on Amy, by fair means or foul.
also showing
Paul is determined to split the couple up by fair means or foul, and it seems he's opting for the foul side of things here when he crashes over to Billy's flat to spoil his and Tina's romantic evening.
Soap stories: A slap in the face for mum; RIVER CITY BBC1, TUE, 8pm
First however, a U N resolution would be required by the American administration - which will be secured by fair means or foul.
You say: Crazy concept
Throwing is throwing, by fair means or foul. It would have been tough on the Sri Lankan that he lost a career to a defect but there are more losers now he has been allowed to continue.
Hawkeye: Roobish, is that
By fair means or foul, they are keeping up the pressure, and found added grist to their mill with the publication of the Plan for Wales 2001 strategy, where Mr Morgan's introduction was signed with his name, followed by AM MP.
A job too far?; Assembly ...Westgate
Craig Nicholls is the demon who aims to capture the goose that lays the golden eggs by fair means or foul. And Lorna Matt is the good fairy trying to learn her trade and keep the demon at bay all at the same time.''
New panto role for Lorna