The use of by no means

Question

Hi there,I'm a little confused how to use the following phrases,if they are called so, in context correctly and what they mean in each case:not….by any meansnot … by no means(no negative)…. by no meansIs it appropriate to say: not…. by all means??May you clarify these for me?

Mister Micawber · Accepted Answer

These phrases are intensifiers, a kind of modifier:

by all means = most assuredly; certainly
by any means = in any way possible
by no means = not by any means = in no way : not at all

He is by no means the only man in the room wearing a truss = He is certainly not the only man here doing so.
If you go to Rome, by all means visit the Forum after dusk = be sure to visit the Forum
She is so ambitious that she intends to become President by any means = She intends to use any method possible
When I say, 'Stay alert!' I do not by any means expect you to remain standing = I certainly do not expect you to stand.

I can't see using not... by all means-- it seems an awkward, ambiguous and nonidiomatic way of saying by no means--but I suppose it is possible: You should not 'by all means' visit the Forum, but it is certainly considered de rigueur.

The use of by no means

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