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by fair means

[baɪ fɛr minz]
adverbial phrase
por meios justos/honestos
1. using honest, legitimate, and ethical methods to achieve something
He succeeded by fair means, without cheating or taking shortcuts.
Ele alcançou o sucesso por meios justos, sem trapacear ou tomar atalhos.
2. through lawful and morally acceptable procedures
The company obtained the contract by fair means, following all regulations.
A empresa obteve o contrato por meios honestos, seguindo todos os regulamentos.
Synonyms
by honest meanslegitimatelyethicallythrough proper channelsfairly
Antonyms
by foul meansby fair means or fouldishonestlyunethicallyillegally

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
por meios justos/honestos
Most common usage across Brazil
Portugal
por meios lícitos/honestos
Emphasis on legality is more common
São Paulo
de forma honesta
More colloquial variation

Related Idioms & Phrases

by fair means or foul
play fair
fair and square
by hook or by crook
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