What is a necessary evil? - Learn English phrases with Mr duncan

Here is an interesting phrase that we often use when we want to describe something that occurs or exists that we need,

but is often seen as something bad or unsavory. Something we rely on that can also be harmful or appear to have a negative side to it.

The phrase in question is ‘necessary evil’.

We will often use this phrase when we are talking about something that is essential, but also at the same time poses a risk.

We will describe that thing as a necessary evil.

For example: weapons used as a means of defence might be seen as a necessary evil.

On a much larger scale we might also refer to powerful weapons, such as those using nuclear energy as their means of creating destruction.

Nuclear weapons are built and stored as a way of preventing an escalation

of any major conflict between large, powerful nations.

The major powers of the world hold their nuclear weapons in such a way that the use of them would have a negative outcome for all involved.

Thus, they are never used.

They are seen as a necessary evil.

A thing that is undesirable but must be accepted is a necessary evil.

Certain types of medical procedure might be viewed as a necessary evil,

especially the types of treatment that cause pain and discomfort.

We might also describe something as the lesser of two evils.

To have the choice of two negative things might mean that you will have to choose the least negative one or the lesser of two evils.

In general life, a necessary evil might be something designed for safety, which is also annoying.

Speed cameras on a main road are there to make that highway safer,

but the road users hate them as they have to slow down whilst driving in that place.

Many types of safety rules or restrictions are seen as a necessary evil.

That thing is annoying, but it is also necessary.

In general life, we will often come across something that is essential, but also might be seen as a type of annoyance.

It is not unusual to hear someone describing the internet as a necessary evil.

With it, we can better ourselves by learning new things, but we often find that it also dominates our lives in negative ways too.

So, as you can see, there are many things in life that exist which we must accept as being important...

needed, essential and even valued, but are also necessary evils.