General term for a method or tool used to achieve a goal, often with a pragmatic or strategic nuance. Can imply a temporary or clever measure.
He will use any means to achieve his goal.
That's nothing more than an expedient.
upaya; skillful means
Buddhist term for a teaching method adapted to the listener's capacity, often translated as 'skillful means' or 'expedient means'.
In Buddhism, upaya refers to a skillful method of teaching that leads to enlightenment.
skillful means; upaya · convenience; suitability; availability
From Middle Chinese 方便 (pjang bjienH), originally a Buddhist term translating Sanskrit upāya. The general sense of 'expedient means' developed from the Buddhist concept.