- if needs be
-
If need be; if there is a need.
But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die. — Nelson Mandela.
Wikipedia foundation.
if needs be
Look at other dictionaries:
Needs assessment — is a systematic process for determining and addressing needs, or gaps between current conditions and desired conditions or wants . The discrepancy between the current condition and wanted condition must be measured to appropriately identify the… … Wikipedia
Needs analysis — is the formal process defined by K Tara Smith[1] that sits alongside Requirements analysis and focuses on the human elements of the requirements. Contents 1 Introduction 2 Underlying principles of needs analysis 3 … Wikipedia
needs must when the devil drives — Needs must is used elliptically for ‘one needs must (i.e. must of necessity) go’. c 1450 J. LYDGATE Assembly of Gods (EETS) 1. 21 Hit ys oft seyde by hem that yet lyues He must nedys go that the deuell dryues. 1602 SHAKESPEARE All’s Well that… … Proverbs new dictionary
Needs — Needs, adv. [Orig. gen. of need, used as an adverb. Cf. { wards}.] Of necessity; necessarily; indispensably; often with must, and equivalent to of need. [1913 Webster] A man must needs love mauger his head. Chaucer. [1913 Webster] And he must… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
needs — originally an adverb meaning ‘of necessity, necessarily’, survives in the somewhat literary phrase needs must: • He can kill a pig. Probably with his bare hands, if needs must Observer Food monthly, 2004. The phrase alludes to the old proverb… … Modern English usage
needs must (or must needs) — it is or was necessary or unavoidable. → need … English new terms dictionary
needs money — needs funds, needs cash, requires money … English contemporary dictionary
needs — [nēdz] adv. [ME nedes < OE nedes, nydes < nied (see NEED) + s, gen. & adv. suffix] of necessity; necessarily: with must [he must needs obey] … English World dictionary
needs — (adv.) of necessity, necessarily, in archaic constructions involving must (late 14c.) is from O.E. nede, instrumental and genitive singular of nied (see NEED (Cf. need)), used as an adverb reinforcing must, hence the genitive ending … Etymology dictionary
needs must when the Devil drives — ► needs must when the Devil drives proverb sometimes you have to do something you would rather not. Main Entry: ↑need … English terms dictionary
needs must (when the Devil drives) — needs ˈmust (when the Devil drives) idiom (saying) in certain situations it is necessary for you to do sth that you do not like or enjoy Main entry: ↑needsidiom … Useful english dictionary
