an 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.
*an end in itself
existing for its own sake; existing for no clear purpose. (*Typically: be ~; become ~.) For Bob, art is an end in itself. He doesn't hope to make any money from it. Learning is an end in itself. Knowledge does not have to have a practical application.
See also: end, itself
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
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 ˌend in itˈself
a thing that is itself important and not just a part of something more important: Speech is not an end in itself, but a means to communicate something.See also: end, itself
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
- end in itself
- unify
- unify (something) into (something)
- unify into
- (all) in one
- in one
- get the draw on
- get the drop on
- get the drop on (someone or something)
- get the drop on someone