Idioms

a necessary evil

This page is about the idiom a necessary evil

Meaning

If you say something is a necessary evil, you don't like it but you understand that it has to be accepted sometimes or it has to exist.

For example

  • Sandra says money's a necessary evil. She thinks it causes many problems, but she can't imagine how the world could work without it.

  • My brother regards exercise as a necessary evil. He hates doing it, but he knows he has to do it if he wants to stay healthy.

Quick Quiz

Many people would say a good example of something that could be called "a necessary evil" is

a. love of one's children

b. hatred of one's neighbours

c. a war to defend one's country
a) love of one's children b) hatred of one's neighbours c) a war to defend one's country

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Common English Idioms

Contributor: Matt Errey