ways and means
Americanplural noun
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legislation, methods, and means of raising revenue for the use of the government.
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methods and means of accomplishing or paying for something.
plural noun
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the revenues and methods of raising the revenues needed for the functioning of a state or other political unit
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(usually capital) a standing committee of the US House of Representatives that supervises all financial legislation
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the methods and resources for accomplishing some purpose
Etymology
Origin of ways and means
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50
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.
"The French authorities will continue to encourage our companies and our armed forces to seek out the ways and means to pursue ambitious European projects that are consistent with our national security interests."
From Barron's ● Jun. 8, 2026
"He joined in 2021 at the height of his offending, and there should have been ways and means of vetting someone like that, so they never got close to a police uniform," Ms Billingham said.
From BBC ● Oct. 26, 2023
The dispute centers on Bayern’s decision to fire goalkeeping coach Toni Tapalović on Jan. 23 due to what Salihamidžić said were “differences over the ways and means of working together”.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 6, 2023
“There are strong recommendations, and my focus will be on finding ways and means to engage with the Chinese authorities on implementing those recommendations.”
From New York Times ● Nov. 24, 2022
His face darkened: he would, he said, find ways and means.
From "Nectar in a Sieve" by Kamala Markandaya
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.
