# by no means

idiom · CEFR B2

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/by-no-means
Updated: 2026-04-22

## Meaning

not at all. You use this to emphasize that something is definitely not true or will not happen.

## Examples

- This task is by no means easy.
- The project is by no means finished, so we need to work through the weekend.
- The evidence presented was by no means conclusive, leaving the jury with significant doubts about the defendant's guilt.

## Origin

From *by* + *no* + *means*, where the final element functions as the condition or instrument to achieve a result.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.