By fair means or foul In english explanation

The meaning, explanation, definition and origin of the idiom/phrase "by fair means or foul", English Idiom Dictionary ( also found in Vietnamese )

author Tommy Tran calendar 2020-12-20 07:12

Meaning of By fair means or foul

Synonyms:

By Hook or (By) Crook , in one way or another

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.

Other phrases about:

Copper-bottomed

trustworthy, stable, unlikely to fail

stand pat (on something)

If one stands pat on something, he or she sticks firmly to it.

Origin of By fair means or foul

"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.

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to look like a drowned rat

To be very wet

Example:

Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.

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