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idiom

The ends justify the means

thuh ENDZ JUS-tih-fy thuh MEENZ

/ðə ɛndz ˈdʒʌstɪfaɪ ðə miːnz/

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Syllable breakdown

theendsjustifythemeans

Dictionary meaning

A controversial ethical position that a desirable or morally good outcome can justify the use of otherwise unacceptable or harmful methods to achieve it.

Examples

  • Critics argued that using surveillance data without consent showed the team believed the ends justify the means.
  • The philosophy that the ends justify the means has been used to rationalise many historical atrocities.

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