at all costs meaning and examples thumbnail

at all costs meaning and examples

2025-09-09

Meaning

The phrase “at all costs” means to do something no matter what difficulties, sacrifices, or risks are involved. It expresses strong determination to achieve a goal regardless of the consequences.

Grammar and Usage

  • Part of speech: Idiom / Phrase

  • Usage: Usually placed at the end or beginning of a sentence for emphasis.

  • Structure:

    • Do sth at all costs
    • At all costs, we must…

Example structure:

  • We must avoid failure at all costs.
  • At all costs, protect the children.

Common Phrases

  • avoid something at all costs
  • win at all costs
  • protect at all costs
  • succeed at all costs

Collocations

  • Verb + at all costs: avoid, prevent, win, succeed, protect
  • Noun + at all costs: safety at all costs, peace at all costs

Examples

  1. She wanted to win the competition at all costs.
  2. The general ordered his troops to defend the city at all costs.
  3. You must avoid mistakes in this document at all costs.
  4. At all costs, the company plans to protect its reputation.
  5. He pursued his dream at all costs, even when others doubted him.
  6. Parents will protect their children at all costs.
  7. They tried to avoid scandal at all costs.
  8. At all costs, we need to finish this project on time.
  • no matter what
  • by any means
  • regardless of the consequences
  • come what may

Antonym

  • not necessarily
  • only if possible
  • if convenient