Definition
不择手段 is a four-character idiom (成语) meaning 'to stop at nothing' or 'to use any means necessary' — it describes someone who will do anything, including immoral or unethical things, to achieve a goal. The literal translation 'not choose methods' doesn't carry the strong negative judgment in English, so think of it as 'by hook or by crook' but with a clear disapproval tone. You'll often see it in contexts of competition, business, or politics.
idiom
by any means necessaryby hook or by crook (with negative connotation)
Examples
- ，不择手段，。Wèile yíng, tā bù zé shǒu duàn, shènzhì bùxī shānghài péngyou.To win, he stops at nothing, even hurting his friends.
- 不择手段。Zhè jiā gōngsī bù zé shǒu duàn de dǎyā jìngzhēng duìshǒu.This company uses every dirty trick to suppress its competitors.
- 不择手段，。Tā wèile shēngzhí bù zé shǒu duàn, zuìhòu shīqù le dàjiā de xìnrèn.He would do anything for a promotion, and in the end he lost everyone's trust.
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