by fair means or foul

By any means necessary—moral or not. A: "But we're not allowed to submit more than one entry per person." B: "Oh, forget that—we are winning this contest by fair means or foul!"

by fair means or foul

If someone tries to achieve something by fair means or foul, they use any possible method to achieve it, not caring if their behaviour is dishonest or unfair. They will do everything they can to win, by fair means or foul. She never gave up trying to recover her property, by fair means or foul.

by ˌfair means or ˈfoul

even if unfair methods are used: He’s determined to buy that company by fair means or foul.

See also: by, fair, foul, mean

References in periodicals archive ?

To take control of the Labour Party, bit by bit, seat by seat, by fair means or foul, and to drag us away from the centre left of politics, where our values and our voters reside, to the hard left they represent, and which the country rejects," he said in a speech to supporters in Westminster.

Labour is heading for disaster says Smith

Paul is determined to split the couple up by fair means or foul, and it seems he's opting for the foul side of things here when he crashes over to Billy's flat to spoil his and Tina's romantic evening.

Soap stories: A slap in the face for mum; RIVER CITY BBC1, TUE, 8pm

First however, a U N resolution would be required by the American administration - which will be secured by fair means or foul.

You say: Crazy concept

By fair means or foul, they are keeping up the pressure, and found added grist to their mill with the publication of the Plan for Wales 2001 strategy, where Mr Morgan's introduction was signed with his name, followed by AM MP.

A job too far?; Assembly ...Westgate

Craig Nicholls is the demon who aims to capture the goose that lays the golden eggs by fair means or foul.