means to an end

基本解释

It feels like a way of life, not a means to an end.
它更像是一种生活态度，而不仅仅是达到目的的手段。
This is where XML is seen as a data storage mechanism, and in a lot of ways, a means to an end.
这些技术将 XML 看作一种数据存储机制，而且在许多情形下看作一种达到目的的手段。
But if we stop to think about it, most of us recognise that material and financial wealth are just a means to an end, not the end in themselves.
但是，如果我们停下来反思一下，我们中的绝大部分人都承认物质享受和金融财富仅是达到目的的手段，而不是要在财富中终结。

That is because 'terrorism' is but a tactic -- a means to an end, which in al-Qaida's case is global domination by an Islamic caliphate.
In other words, you are an end and not a means to me unless in fact I'm exploiting you and instrumentalizing you. Right?
换言之，对我来说，你不是手段，而是目的,除非我在剥削你，或把你工具化，是吧？
耶鲁公开课 - 文学理论导论课程节选
Kant says people ought to be an end and not a means for us; we ought to understand them on their terms."
康德说人们应该使我们的终点，而不是途径;,我们应该从他们的角度来理解他们“
耶鲁公开课 - 文学理论导论课程节选

Trading is a different sort of economic good, just a means to an end.
FORBES: Trading Frenzy