Meaning and Usage
"不择手段" literally means "not choosing means" and is used to describe someone who will use any methods, regardless of morality or legality, to achieve their goals. It often carries a negative connotation, implying unethical or unscrupulous behavior.
Common Contexts
This phrase is frequently used in discussions about competition, ambition, or behavior where ethical boundaries are ignored. For example, in business, politics, or personal relationships.
Collocations and Patterns
- 不择手段地 + verb (e.g., 追求, 竞争): emphasizes the manner of doing something by any means.
- 不择手段的 + noun (e.g., 竞争, 行为): describes a type of behavior or competition characterized by unscrupulous methods.
Nuance and Register
The phrase is formal and often appears in written or serious spoken contexts. It is rarely used in casual conversation unless criticizing someone's behavior.
Common Confusion
Do not confuse 不择手段 with phrases that imply careful or selective choice of means. Here, the emphasis is on ignoring the choice of means, often negatively.