at all costs

Idioms  

1. Also,. Regardless of the expense or effort involved, by any means. For example, Ann told the doctor to preserve her mother's sight at all costs, or It seems the company plans to develop the product at any cost, or I'm determined to get vacation time at any price. [Mid-1800s]

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Example Sentences

Social-media companies build their products to keep kids addicted at all costs.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 27, 2026

President Donald Trump will want to avoid at all costs a prolonged surge in oil prices, which would become his political Achilles' heel.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

We either care, at all costs, for our magnificent world or nothing matters.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 24, 2026

The Academy famously avoids nominating horror at all costs, especially when it comes to individual performances.

From Salon • Jan. 23, 2026

Moss’s mother told him to avoid that corner at all costs, but no one was hanging around that afternoon.

From "Anger Is a Gift" by Mark Oshiro