What it means
てまで follows the て-form of a verb and emphasizes an extreme action or measure that someone is willing to take, or that seems excessive, in pursuit of a goal. It is often translated as “go so far as to,” “even,” or “to the extent of.” The construction commonly appears with expressions of desire, evaluation, criticism, or denial, and it highlights that the action is beyond what would normally be considered reasonable.
Usage note
てまで is distinct from the ordinary time or limit meaning of まで. It does not by itself mark politeness; politeness is expressed by changing the final predicate of the sentence.
How to use it
研究費を得るために規則を破ってまで成功したいとは思いません。
I do not think I want to succeed so badly that I would break the rules to obtain research funding.
研究費を得るために規則を破ってまで成功したいとは思わない。
I do not think I want to succeed so badly that I would break the rules to obtain research funding.
Example sentences
彼は会社の不正を明らかにするためなら、職を失ってまで証言する覚悟だ。
If it means exposing the company's wrongdoing, he is prepared to testify even if it costs him his job.
その記者は、注目を集めるために事実を歪めてまで記事を書くべきではない。
That reporter should not go so far as to distort the facts in order to attract attention.