Meaning

Literal

To not differentiate/pick between methods

Usage

Refers to using any method in order to achieve one's goal

Connotation

Negative

Usage Examples

她决心要赢，那怕是不择手段 | Tā juéxīn yào yíng, nàpà shì bùzéshǒuduàn
She made up her mind that she had to win, by hook or by crook
[Source]

她会不择手段来保卫她的家人 | Tā huì bùzéshǒuduàn lái bǎowèi tā de jiārén
She would do anything to protect her family
[Source]

Equivalents

English

By hook or by crook

Chinese

None

Entry Notes

This is an HSK chengyu

Origin

《三闲集》(Sān Xián Jí), a work by the great modern author 鲁迅 (Lǔ Xùn)