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]
-
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]
-
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 they want to initiate extradition proceedings, by all means," he added, calling extradition cases in US courts "a demanding procedure".
From Barron's • May 10, 2026
And by all means, they should address their many reasonable complaints to James Blair.
From Slate • Apr. 22, 2026
So by all means send them a thank-you note for their attendance, graciousness and generosity, if you have not done so already.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026
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
Dean Wilkins clears his throat, stammers for a second, and then says that yes, by all means, I am welcome to return and sit my exams.
From "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen
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.
