What does “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” mean?

"Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t" means it is better to deal with a familiar or known problem or difficulty than to risk a new or unknown one.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I know my current job is not perfect, but better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. I don't want to take the risk of starting a new job and facing unknown challenges.

Example

I'm hesitant to try a new restaurant. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. I'd rather stick to the familiar ones that I know I enjoy.

Example

I'm considering buying a new car, but I'm worried about potential issues. Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t. I might just stick with my current car for now

Is “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” effectively in context?

You can use "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't" to express the idea that it is often safer or wiser to stick with a familiar or known problem or situation, even if it is not ideal, rather than taking a risk with an unknown or unfamiliar problem or situation that could potentially be worse. For instance, if someone is considering leaving their current job for a new opportunity, you might say, 'I know this job is not perfect, but better the devil you know than the devil you don't. I don't want to take a risk with a new job that could be worse.'

1Job
I know this job is not perfect, but better the devil you know than the devil you don't. I don't want to take a risk with a new job that could be worse.
2Housing
Yes, this house has some issues, but better the devil you know than the devil you don't. I don't want to move to a new place and deal with unknown problems.
3Relationship
I understand that this relationship has its challenges, but better the devil you know than the devil you don't. I don't want to end it and risk being in a worse relationship.

Similar phrases to “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”:

Stick with the devil you know

To choose to deal with a familiar or known problem or situation, even if it is not ideal

Example

She decided to stick with the devil she knew and continue working at her current job.

Familiarity breeds contentment

The more familiar something is, the more comfortable and satisfied one feels with it

Example

He preferred to stay in his hometown because familiarity breeds contentment.

In for a penny, in for a pound

Once committed to a course of action, one should fully commit and accept the consequences

Example

Since he had already invested so much time and effort, he decided to go in for a penny, in for a pound.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't" is unknown.

Is “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It conveys a cautionary message about the potential risks of venturing into the unknown.

What tone does “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” have?

"Better the devil you know than the devil you don't" conveys a tone of caution and pragmatism. It suggests that it is often wiser to stick with what is familiar, even if it is not ideal, rather than taking a risk with something unknown that could potentially be worse.

Can “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The phrase "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known proverb that can be used in various situations to convey the idea of choosing familiarity over the unknown. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, colleagues, as well as in more formal contexts such as presentations or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I know this job is not perfect, but better the devil you know than the devil you don't.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Better the devil you know!' to imply the preference for familiarity over the unknown.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

choose the lesser of two evils
prefer the known over the unknown
better to be safe than sorry
don't rock the boat
stick to what you know

Antonyms

take a leap of faith
embrace the unknown
explore new horizons
step out of your comfort zone
seek greener pastures