end in itself
an end in itself
Something that is its own entity with no greater purpose. My parents think that studying literature is an end in itself and will never lead to a career.
See also: end, itself
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
end in itself
A purpose or goal desired for its own sake (rather than to attain something else). For example, For me, writing books is an end in itself; they don't really make that much money. This expression employs the noun end in the sense of "final cause or purpose," a usage dating from the early 1500s.
See also: end, itself
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- an end in itself
- unify
- unify (something) into (something)
- unify into
- (all) in one
- in one
- get the draw on
- get the draw on (someone or something)
- get the drop on
- get the drop on (someone or something)