by any means
In any possible way. Often used in the negative. We need to court that big investor by any means, so shameless flattery is a fine place to start! Not by any means shall our country be drawn into yet another war overseas.
by any means
by any way possible. I need to get there soon by any means. I must win this contest by any means, fair or unfair.
by any means
In any possible way, no matter how, as in By any means I've got to get there. [Late 1400s] Also see by hook or crook; by means of; by no means.
by any means
In any way possible; to any extent: not by any means an easy opponent.