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NECESSARY EVIL meaning: 1. something unpleasant that must be accepted in order to achieve a particular result: 2…. Learn more.
A necessary evil is an evil that someone believes must be done or accepted because it is necessary to achieve a better outcome—especially because possible alternative courses of action or inaction are expected to be worse.
NECESSARY EVIL definition: 1. something unpleasant that must be accepted in order to achieve a particular result: 2…. Learn more.
The phrase “necessary evil” is used to describe such actions, which are considered undesirable but essential. The origins of this idiom can be traced back to ancient times when rulers and leaders faced similar dilemmas.
They are either nervous, not knowing what to expect, or they are openly disdainful of this situation, which they consider a necessary evil.
a thing that is unpleasant or even harmful, but which must be accepted because it brings some benefit: Injections against tropical illnesses are a necessary evil when you are planning to travel to that part of the world. ♢ I suppose all these security measures are a necessary evil.
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.
