Needs must
Definitions
necessity
Expressing that a particular action or decision is necessary due to the circumstances, even if it is not desirableresignation
Indicating acceptance of a difficult situation or task that must be done, even if it is unpleasant
Examples of Needs must
Sarah had been craving for a burger for days, but she was on a strict diet. However, her body needed nutrients, and she couldn't resist the temptation anymore. She decided to indulge in a cheeseburger, knowing that "needs must".
In this example, "needs must" implies that there are some necessities that one cannot avoid, regardless of their preferences or circumstances. Sarah's body had a need for nutrients, and she had to fulfill it, even though it went against her dietary restrictions.
The old building needed repairs, but the owner couldn't afford it at the moment. Nevertheless, he knew that "needs must" and decided to prioritize the necessary repairs over other expenses.
Here, "needs must" signifies that there are certain obligations that have to be met, no matter how inconvenient or expensive they may be. The owner had to address the necessary repairs, as leaving them unattended would have caused more harm in the long run.
The school had to cancel the field trip due to unexpected weather conditions. However, the students still had to learn, and the teachers knew that "needs must". They devised alternative indoor activities to ensure that the students didn't miss out on their education.
In this example, "needs must" implies that the students' need for education takes precedence over other considerations, even if it means deviating from the usual plan. The teachers had to adapt and provide an alternative solution to ensure that the students' educational needs were met.
The factory had to shut down unexpectedly due to a technical glitch. The employees were worried about their salaries, but they understood that "needs must". They awaited the resolution of the issue and hoped that the factory would reopen as soon as possible.
Here, "needs must" conveys that there are certain expectations that one must adhere to, even in unfavorable circumstances. The employees recognized that their salaries were a necessity, and they trusted the factory to resolve the issue and provide them with their due compensations.
Mary had been dreaming of quitting her job and traveling the world for years, but the rent was due and the bills kept piling up. Needs must - she had to stay in her job another year to save enough money to fulfill her lifelong dream.
The idiom "needs must" means that sometimes, circumstances force us to do something we don't want to do. In Mary's case, her financial responsibilities required her to continue her job, despite her desire to travel.
John and Sarah had been wanting to celebrate their anniversary with a luxurious dinner at the fanciest restaurant in town, but both of them had unexpected last-minute work commitments. Needs must - they had to postpone their anniversary celebration to another day.
Here, the idiom "needs must" highlights the fact that sometimes, unexpected circumstances prevail, forcing us to put our plans aside. John and Sarah's reluctance to postpone their anniversary celebration underscores the importance of the phrase "needs must."
The project manager knew that completing the project by the deadline would require working overtime every day for the next two weeks, but everyone was counting on the project's success, and the deadline couldn't be extended. Needs must - the project manager had to work long hours to get the project done on time.
"Needs must" is used here to emphasize the necessity of completing the project by the deadline, despite the project manager's reluctance to work overtime. It also highlights the importance of fulfilling commitments, even when it's difficult or inconvenient.
Lily had been looking forward to a weekend getaway with her family, but her child suddenly fell ill. Needs must - Lily had to cancel the trip and stay home to take care of her sick child.
The idiom "needs must" is used to illustrate the importance of taking care of one's family, even when it means sacrificing personal plans. In this example, Lily's priority was to care for her child's needs, rather than her own plans. "Needs must" emphasizes this type of situation where circumstances force a person to take necessary steps.
Conclusion
The idiom "needs must" is used to convey the idea that a certain action or decision is necessary because of the circumstances, even if it is not the preferred choice. It can also express resignation and acceptance of a difficult task that must be done, even if it is unpleasant. Overall, it emphasizes the idea of necessity and inevitability in different situations.Origin of "Needs must"
The origin of the idiom "needs must" can be traced back to Middle English, where "need" meant necessity and "must" was used to express obligation or inevitability. The phrase has been used in English literature for centuries, appearing in works by authors such as Geoffrey Chaucer and William Shakespeare. Its usage has evolved over time to convey the idea of something being necessary or unavoidable. The idiom reflects the human experience of facing difficult situations and having to make decisions based on necessity rather than preference. Its enduring presence in the English language highlights its relevance in expressing the concept of unavoidable actions or decisions.