by all means
Idioms-
Also, by all manner of means . In every possible way, as in I plan to make use of him by all means . [Late 1400s]
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Also, by all manner of means . Without fail, at any cost, as in Losing the contract is to be avoided by all means . [c. 1600]
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Certainly, yes, as in Are you coming tonight?—By all means, I'll be there . [Late 1600s] Also see by any means ; by no means .
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
If you’ve upgraded the yogurt and the fruit and you’re feeling satisfied, by all means — as Ina says, store-bought is fine.
From Salon • Mar. 17, 2026
They can still board first, by all means, but they’ll head right to the back.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 5, 2026
Workout equipment, game rooms, walking paths and lounges have become standard in many communities — but if pickleball or gardening plots are important, then by all means make sure you get them.
From MarketWatch • Nov. 24, 2025
"Close the toilet door and have a bit of separation - by all means have a joint project but that shouldn't be going to the loo," she laughs.
From BBC • Nov. 9, 2025
Mom got back on the phone and said that, by all means, I should go on vacation, that everything was going to be fine, not to worry.
From "October Sky" by Homer Hickam
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
