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Tommy Tran
2020-12-20 07:12
By fair means or foul prepositional phrase
Try to achieve something using whatever means are necessary, even if it is not legitimate or honest
He will try anything to graduate on time, by fair means or foul.
By fair means or foul, they will find a solution for the current issue.
trustworthy, stable, unlikely to fail
If one stands pat on something, he or she sticks firmly to it.
"Macbeth" by Shakespeare. (Image Source: Britannica)
The phrase originates from the early 17th century. It derives from the play Macbeth by Shakespeare, however, Shakespeare's construction was slightly different:
"Fair is foul, foul is fair."
The phrase evolved into today's format during the 18th century.
Do you see anything wrong?
A humorous way of saying that what one has said is just what they acknowledge and may not be entirely accurate
Mike: Have you returned from your vacation on the beach? Your skin seems to get tanned.
Jenny: My skin is always dark. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!
