ways and means
C1/C2Formal; Journalistic; Political/Business Jargon
Definition
Meaning
A compound noun referring to the methods and resources available to accomplish a task or achieve a goal.
Frequently used in political or financial contexts to refer to a parliamentary committee responsible for finding revenue to implement government policy, or more broadly to any systems or financial resources used to achieve an objective.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily treated as a singular concept ('The ways and means is...'), though the plural form is standard. Implies a combination of methods (ways) and resources/funding (means).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The specific political term 'Ways and Means Committee' exists in both UK Parliament and US Congress, though their exact powers differ. The broader phrase is used similarly.
Connotations
In both, strongly associated with finance and legislation. The general use may carry a slightly bureaucratic or strategic connotation.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to the prominence of the 'House Ways and Means Committee' in US politics.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
The government explored all (possible) ways and means to fund the project.We must find the ways and means of implementing this policy.The committee is responsible for ways and means.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The ends justify the means (related, but not identical).”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The board discussed the ways and means of expanding into the Asian market.
Academic
The study examined the ways and means by which medieval states collected revenue.
Everyday
We'll find the ways and means to get the kids to university.
Technical
The engineer outlined the ways and means of achieving the required structural integrity.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- a ways-and-means approach
- ways-and-means provision
American English
- Ways and Means legislation
- a ways-and-means strategy
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They are looking for ways and means to save money.
- We need to find a way to pay for it. (simplified equivalent)
- The charity is exploring every possible ways and means of delivering aid to the region.
- The project's success depends on securing the necessary ways and means.
- The parliamentary Ways and Means Committee will review the proposed tax amendments next week.
- His ingenious plan demonstrated a profound understanding of the ways and means of international diplomacy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a road (WAY) leading to a bank vault (MEANS/money). You need both the path and the money to get what you want.
Conceptual Metaphor
ACHIEVING A GOAL IS A JOURNEY (ways) REQUIRING SUPPLIES (means).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'пути и средство' in a general sense; it sounds calqued. Use 'методы и средства', 'ресурсы и возможности', or just 'средства' depending on context.
- The political term 'Ways and Means Committee' is officially translated as 'Комитет по способам и средствам' but is often just referred to as 'бюджетный комитет'.
Common Mistakes
- Using it as a plural verb (e.g., 'They ways and means to do it' is incorrect).
- Treating 'ways' and 'means' as separate items in a list rather than a single concept.
- Overusing the phrase in informal contexts where 'how' or 'a way' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'ways and means' most specifically and formally used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is typically treated as a singular, collective concept (e.g., 'The ways and means is available'), though plural treatment is also seen, especially when emphasizing the individual components.
It is quite formal. In everyday speech, simpler phrases like 'how to do it', 'a way to pay for it', or 'the resources' are more common.
'Means' often refers just to resources, especially money. 'Ways and means' explicitly combines the ideas of methods/processes (ways) *and* the resources (means) needed to execute them.
Not always, but frequently. The 'means' part strongly implies resources, which are often financial. It can refer to non-monetary resources like time, personnel, or authority.