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.
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
“I’ve tried by all means ... to be Rafael’s voice,” said the sister, adding that she doesn’t know anyone in El Salvador.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 23, 2025
If there's an animal in need, then by all means.
From Salon • Feb. 9, 2025
“But if you do, by all means, take the lead.”
From "Catching Fire" by Suzanne Collins
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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.