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Region: General | Usage example: He argued the ends justify the means in his controversial strategy.

The ends justify the means

Meaning

Any actions are acceptable if the final result is good.

Usage

Used when discussing ethics of questionable decisions.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Philosophers from Machiavelli to modern writers debated the idea.

Philosophical treatises since the Renaissance cite variations of the idea.

Related Idioms

Make ends meet

Have enough money or resources to cover necessities.

Tie up loose ends

Finish minor unfinished tasks before moving on.

Beyond your means

More expensive than you can afford.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.