"By No Means My First or Foremost Aim" — A Clarifying Turn of Phrase

it is by no means my first or foremost aim

Language: English

Definition:
A statement used to clarify that the speaker's main intention or priority lies elsewhere; that a particular goal, while possibly relevant, is neither the primary nor most important objective.

Image from I'm the Queen in This Life, written by Lefaljinf.

Usage Notes:
Often used to preface or distance oneself from a potential interpretation of motive, especially in academic, argumentative, or diplomatic contexts.

Example Sentence:

"I may criticize the policy, but it is by no means my first or foremost aim to undermine the administration."

Etymology:
Combines the emphatic negation “by no means” (meaning "not at all") with “first or foremost aim”, a formal phrase referring to primary intent or goal.

Synonyms:
not my main goal, not chiefly intended, not primarily concerned with, far from my purpose

Register:
Formal to literary