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

One problem with formal language learning is that it encourages us to focus on accuracy at all costs.

From Science Daily • May 22, 2026

"The Japanese constitution, Article 9 in particular, must be protected at all costs," he said.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

In an era where batting averages are plummeting and homers and strikeouts are nearing all-time highs, Murakami serves as the ultimate manifestation of baseball’s unending pursuit of power at all costs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 30, 2026

Temporarily shutting in wells is a direct way to reduce output, but it’s something oil companies try to avoid at all costs.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 29, 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