whatever it takes

whatever it takes

English

Noun

whatever it takes (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic, sometimes euphemistic for improper behavior) Anything, including measures which may be extreme or wrongful, that is required to achieve an objective.
   • 1997 Jan. 31, Mike Wise, "Intense and Erratic, John Starks Can Still Jump-Start the Knicks," New York Times (retrieved 29 July 2012):

     "I'll do whatever it takes to win."

   • 2009 Aug. 5, Tony Karon, "A Weakened Ahmadinejad Sworn in for a Second Term," Time:

     [T]he security forces have exhibited few qualms about doing whatever it takes to quiet the streets, including the imprisoning of an estimated 2,000 opposition supporters.

Translations

anything required to achieve an objective

French: tout ce qui est nécessaire Italian: ad ogni costo Portuguese: custe o que custar

Romanian: a face orice este necesar Russian: во что́ бы то ни ста́ло (ru) (vo štó by to ni stálo) Spanish: todo lo que sea necesario, cueste lo que cueste

See also

• play to win
• what it takes