It is a powerful statement often used to express:
* A willingness to achieve something through any means necessary. This could be through diplomatic negotiations, reasoned arguments, or ultimately, through the use of force.
* A belief in the rightness of one's cause, even if it requires resorting to violence.
* A sense of inevitability, that something will happen, whether through peaceful means or through conflict.
The phrase has historical significance, often associated with the Spanish Empire's approach to colonization. It reflects a belief that the Spanish had the right to conquer and control other lands, regardless of the means employed.
However, the phrase is also used in other contexts, highlighting the tension between peaceful resolution and the use of force.
It's important to note that the phrase has different connotations depending on the context and the speaker's intentions.