English Idioms
Comprehensive resource for understanding and mastering English idioms
Necessary evil
Meaning
The idiom "necessary evil" refers to an action that is morally wrong or undesirable, but is necessary for achieving a greater good or preventing a worse outcome. It suggests that the action itself is not inherently right, but it is justified by its results.
Usage
- The company had to lay off several employees to cut costs, which was a necessary evil to keep the business afloat.
- The politician's negative campaign ads were a necessary evil to win the election.
- The doctor prescribed painkillers to his patient, even though it is a necessary evil that can lead to addiction.
- The government implemented surveillance cameras in public places, which was a necessary evil to prevent crime.
- The company's decision to outsource jobs overseas was a necessary evil to reduce costs and increase profits.
Roots and History
The idiom "necessary evil" has its roots in medieval theology, where it was used to describe a sin that was committed for a greater good or to prevent a worse outcome. The phrase is believed to have originated from the Latin phrase "malum necessarium," which means "an evil necessary." Over time, the phrase has been adapted and used in contemporary language to refer to any action that is morally questionable but justified by its results.
Synonyms in English
- Regrettable necessity
- Unfortunate circumstance
- Necessary sacrifice
- Imperfect solution
- Compromised decision
Synonyms in other languages
- French: "Nécessité malgré soi" - Literally, "necessity despite oneself," which conveys the same meaning as "necessary evil."
- German: "Notwendiges Übel" - A direct translation of "necessary evil," which also conveys the same meaning.
- Spanish: "Bueno malvado" - A phrase that literally means "good, but bad," which conveys the idea of something that is morally questionable but necessary.
- Italian: "Male necessario" - A direct translation of "necessary evil," which also conveys the same meaning.
- Japanese: "患いが必要なもの" - A phrase that literally means "necessity despite suffering," which conveys the idea of something that is morally questionable but necessary for a greater good.