# at all costs

**Pronunciation:** æt ɔːl kɒsts · at AWL KAWSTS

**Part of speech:** idiomatic phrase

## Meaning

Whatever the effort, expense, or sacrifice required to achieve a result.

## Examples

- We must win this game at all costs to qualify for the finals.
- Security at the event was tightened at all costs to ensure the safety of the guests.
- He wanted to protect his reputation at all costs, even if it meant lying.

## Synonyms

- no matter what — a common, slightly less formal way to express total commitment.
- at any price — focuses specifically on the willingness to pay any amount of money or effort.
- by any means — implies a willingness to use any method, even if unconventional or extreme.
- regardless of consequences — a formal way to state that the outcome is more important than any negative result.

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