at all costs

Thân thiện

He must protect the secret documents at all costs.

Definition

Adverb - Regardless of the cost or effort involved; by any means necessary: This phrase indicates that something must be done or achieved, no matter how difficult, expensive, or dangerous it might be. It emphasizes an absolute priority and unwavering determination.

Usage

The phrase "at all costs" is used to modify a verb, stating that the action must be performed without any consideration for the potential negative consequences, sacrifices, or expenses required. It is often used with verbs like "protect," "avoid," "defend," "save," or "achieve."

Examples

• Adverb:
  • We must protect the environment at all costs. (This means we must protect it no matter what sacrifices or expenses are required.)
  • The general ordered his troops to defend the position at all costs. (This means they must defend it, even if it leads to great loss.)
  • She was determined to win the competition at all costs. (This means she would do anything necessary to win.)

Advanced Usage

• "at any cost": This is a common variant with identical meaning and usage.
  • He was resolved to find the truth at any cost.

Variants and Related Words

• At any cost (phrase): A direct synonym for "at all costs."
• Whatever it takes (phrase): A similar idiom expressing a strong determination to achieve something by any necessary means.
• By any means necessary (phrase): Another phrase with a similar meaning of using any method required.

Synonyms

• No matter what
• Regardless
• Unconditionally (in the context of a requirement)

Related Idioms

• Come hell or high water: This idiom means no matter what obstacles arise, showing a similar level of determination as "at all costs."
  • I'll be there tomorrow, come hell or high water.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. regardless of the cost involved
   • he wanted to save her life at all cost

Từ đồng nghĩa

• at any cost
• at any expense