Idioms

a means to an end

This page is about the idiom a means to an end

Meaning

You can say something is a means to an end if it's the way to reach a goal, or the way to achieve something.

For example

  • Rupert plays golf, but he doesn't really enjoy it. It's just a means to an end for him because so much business is done on the golf course these days.

  • The medical school interviews all candidates and tries to weed out people for whom becoming a doctor is just a means to an end. They don't want people whose real goal is making money.

Quick Quiz

Marrying James was just a means to an end for Kerry. Her real goal was

a. to be his wife

b. to meet his sister

c. to be rich
a) to be his wife b) to meet his sister c) to be rich

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey