the end justifies the means
A positive outcome justifies the methods one employs to reach it, even if they are unscrupulous or unethical. I know you think that the end justifies the means, but stealing to feed the poor is still stealing.
the ends justify the means
A positive outcome justifies the methods one employs to reach it, even if they are unscrupulous or unethical. I know you think that the ends justify the means, but stealing to feed the poor is still stealing.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
end justifies the means, the
A good outcome excuses any wrongs committed to attain it. For example, He's campaigning with illegal funds on the theory that if he wins the election the end will justify the means , or The officer tricked her into admitting her guilt-the end sometimes justifies the means. This proverbial (and controversial) observation dates from ancient times, but in English it was first recorded only in 1583.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.