by all means

by all means

1. Certainly; absolutely. By all means, come to our party if you end up being free on Saturday night!

2. In any way possible, regardless of risk or expense. There will be a lot of people at this event, but we need to court that one big investor by all means.

See also: all, by, mean

by all means

certainly; yes; absolutely. I will attempt to get there by all means. Bob: Can you come to dinner tomorrow? Jane: By all means. I'd love to.

See also: all, by, mean

by all means

1. Also, by all manner of means. In every possible way, as in I plan to make use of him by all means. [Late 1400s]

2. 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]

3. 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.

See also: all, by, mean

by ˈall means

(spoken) used to say that you are very willing for somebody to have something or do something: ‘Can I smoke?’ ‘By all means.’ ♢ ‘Do you think I could borrow this dictionary?’ ‘Yes, by all means.’

See also: all, by, mean

by all means

Without fail; certainly.

See also: all, by, mean