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

“If the adviser is bending because they need to increase the number of clients at all costs, or there’s upheaval or maybe high turnover at their firm, that’s not good,” Krueger said.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 10, 2026

They avoid anything official at all costs, anything that involves paperwork.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 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

He knows that “Marty Supreme” holds an unflattering mirror up to his own drive and allows that to become its own backhanded compliment to the thrill of watching an actor chase success at all costs.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 10, 2026

For the Soviet leader, the issue was crystal clear: Russia must protect its security at all costs.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau