Wiktionary
n. A method (''means'') by which a goal (''end'') is achieved.
Wikipedia
In philosophy, the term means to an end refers to any action (the means) carried out for the sole purpose of achieving something else (an end). It can be thought of as a metaphysical distinction, as no empirical information differentiates actions that are means to ends from those that are not—that are "ends in themselves." It has been incurred that all actions are means to other ends; this is relevant when considering the meaning of life.
Immanuel Kant's theory of morality, the categorical imperative, states that it is immoral to use another person merely as a means to an end, and that people must, under all circumstances, be treated as ends in themselves. This is in contrast to some interpretations of the utilitarian view, which allow for use of individuals as means to benefit the many.
Usage examples of "means to an end".
Your continuous arguments about means to an end are a means in an end to themselves.
But before long, the music and magic stopped being a crutch, or a means to an end, and became the end itself.