at all costs

IPA/at ˈɔːl kˈɒsts/
IPA/æɾ ˈɔːl kˈɔsts/

at all costs — 慣用語

1. used to say someone is determined to achieve or prevent something, even if doing

1.慣用語B2
釋義

不惜代價

即使有風險損失也要做到

used to say someone is determined to achieve or prevent something, even if doing so brings serious trouble, danger, or expense

例句

Christopher kept the village map safe at all costs after the bridge collapsed.

橋垮掉後，Christopher 不惜代價也要保住村裡的地圖。

keep something safe at all costs in an emergency

Lucía wanted to avoid another scandal at all costs before the TV debate.

Lucía 在電視辯論前，不惜代價也要避開另一場醜聞。

avoid something at all costs before a high-stakes event

同義詞

文法句型

protect [someone/something] at all costs

avoid [something] at all costs

keep [something] safe at all costs

用法筆記

Often follows verbs such as protect, save, keep, avoid, or prevent. It adds a strong sense of determination and can suggest that someone accepts harm, sacrifice, or public criticism to reach that goal.

常見錯誤

❌We fixed the roof in all costs.
✅We fixed the roof at all costs.
💡this idiom uses the fixed preposition 'at'.
❌She bought the dress at all costs.
✅She wanted the dress at all costs.
💡the phrase stresses determination, not the exact amount of money paid.