By all means
Example: By all means, you should try the new restaurant tonight.
Definition
"By all means" is an expression used to give enthusiastic permission or encouragement to do something. It implies the speaker’s strong approval or agreement, as in the example phrase, "By all means, you should try the new restaurant tonight," meaning you are definitely encouraged to try it.
Etymology
The phrase "by all means" combines 'by,' indicating the method or manner, with 'all means,' meaning every possible way or method. It originated in English during the 16th century and has been used to emphasize thoroughness or certainty in allowing or encouraging an action. Did you know it’s a polite and emphatic way to say yes?
Learn to use this expression actively
"By all means" appears in the Vocaplus list "English - General - Idioms and Proverbs - (A2) - set 1", containing 104 commonly used expressions.
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