means to an end

• IPA^(key): /miːnz tuː ən ɛnd/

means to an end (plural means to an end or means to ends)

1. A method by which a goal is achieved.
   • 2019 May 5, Danette Chavez, “Campaigns are waged on and off the Game Of Thrones battlefield (newbies)”, in The A.V. Club‎:

     Daenerys has seen herself as avenging the wrongs done to her from the first season; she didn’t really need another to add to her list. The way they’re handled, Missandei’s death, as well as Rhaegal’s, amount to chess pieces being removed from the board. They deserve better than being a means to an end, even on a show that’s often treated death (and life) as a game to be beaten.

• end in itself