Needs must when the devil drives.: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Needs must when the devil drives.” mean?

"Needs must when the devil drives" means when faced with a difficult or urgent situation, one must do what is necessary, even if it goes against their preferences or beliefs.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I really don't want to work overtime, but needs must when the devil drives. I have bills to pay.

Example

I never thought I would eat fast food, but needs must when the devil drives. I was starving and had no other options.

Example

I don't like asking for help, but needs must when the devil drives. I can't finish this project on my own

Is “Needs must when the devil drives.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Needs must when the devil drives.” 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 “Needs must when the devil drives.” effectively in context?

You can use "Needs must when the devil drives" to emphasize the necessity of taking action in a difficult or urgent situation, even if it goes against your preferences or beliefs. For example, if a friend is hesitant to ask for a loan but is in desperate need of money, you might say, 'I know it's not ideal, but needs must when the devil drives.'

• 1. Financial Hardship

  I really don't want to work overtime, but needs must when the devil drives. I have bills to pay.

• 2. Limited Options

  I never thought I would eat fast food, but needs must when the devil drives. I was starving and had no other options.

• 3. Asking for Help

  I don't like asking for help, but needs must when the devil drives. I can't finish this project on my own.

Similar phrases to “Needs must when the devil drives.”:

Desperate times call for desperate measures

In difficult situations, it is necessary to take extreme actions

Example

She didn't want to borrow money, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Make do

To manage or cope with what is available, even if it is not ideal

Example

We didn't have enough chairs, so we had to make do with stools.

No choice but

Having no other option or alternative

Example

I had no choice but to cancel my trip due to unforeseen circumstances.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Needs must when the devil drives.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Needs must when the devil drives" is unknown.

Is “Needs must when the devil drives.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Needs must when the devil drives" is a well-known proverb, although it may not be as commonly used in everyday conversation as some other phrases. It is often used in more formal or literary contexts to convey the idea of necessity in difficult situations.

What tone does “Needs must when the devil drives.” have?

"Needs must when the devil drives" conveys a tone of resignation and acceptance. It implies that there is no other choice but to take action, even if it goes against one's preferences or beliefs.

Can “Needs must when the devil drives.” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "needs must when the devil drives" is a formal phrase that is more commonly used in written or formal spoken English. It is less likely to be used in casual or informal conversations.

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 didn't want to go, but needs must when the devil drives.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Needs must!' to imply the necessity of taking action.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• necessity knows no law
• when in rome, do as the romans do
• sink or swim
• adapt or perish
• do what must be done

Antonyms

• optional
• voluntary
• discretionary
• nonessential
• avoidable