Was about to finish duty by all means (4)

I believe the answer is:

ways

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'all means' is the definition.
'ways' can be an answer for 'means' (I've seen this in other clues). I am not certain of the 'all' bit.

'was about to finish duty' is the wordplay.
'about' means one lot of letters goes inside another.
'to finish' suggests the final letters.
The final letter of 'duty' is 'y'.
'was' placed around 'y' is 'WAYS'.

'by' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for ways that I've seen before include "Customs" , "Methods; routes" , "Roads; styles" , "Acting out a part" , "Manners" .)

I've seen this clue in the Evening Standard.

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