English

Noun

whatever it takes ‎(uncountable)

1. (idiomatic, sometimes euphemistic for improper behavior) Anything, including measures which may be extreme or wrongful, that is required to achieve an objective.
   • 1997 Jan. 31, Mike Wise, "Intense and Erratic, John Starks Can Still Jump-Start the Knicks," New York Times (retrieved 29 July 2012):

     "I'll do whatever it takes to win."

   • 2009 Aug. 5, Tony Karon, "A Weakened Ahmadinejad Sworn in for a Second Term," Time:

     [T]he security forces have exhibited few qualms about doing whatever it takes to quiet the streets, including the imprisoning of an estimated 2,000 opposition supporters.

Translations

See also

• play to win
• what it takes