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at all costs

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at all costs

In any way possible, regardless of risk or expense. Please, save my husband at all costs—I can't live without him! I hope my foot heals quickly—I try to avoid going to the doctor at all costs.

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at all costs

 and at any cost

Fig. regardless of the difficulty or cost; no matter what. I intend to have that car at all costs. Mary was going to get that job at any cost.

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at all costs

no matter what dangers or difficulties are involved The country must defend its borders at all costs.

Related vocabulary: at any cost

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at all costs

if something must be done or avoided at all costs, it must be done or avoided whatever happens The only other option is working on Saturdays which is something I want to avoid at all costs. He appears to have decided that he must stay in power at all costs.

See also: all, cost

at all costs

Also, at any cost or price . Regardless of the expense or effort involved, by any means. For example, Ann told the doctor to preserve her mother's sight at all costs, or It seems the company plans to develop the product at any cost, or I'm determined to get vacation time at any price. [Mid-1800s]

See also: all, cost

at all costs

Regardless of the expense or effort involved; by any means.

See also: all, cost