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- Definition: Something bad but known is better than something unknown. This proverb, often shortened to “better the devil you know,” describes how to deal with something unpleasant. The “devil” could be any bad person, place, or thing.
writingexplained.org/idiom-dictionary/better-the-devil-you-knowWhat Does Better the Devil You Know Mean? - Writing Explained
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Jul 17, 2023 · What does "the devil you know" mean? It's an idiom that suggests that it is often better to deal with a known but unfavorable situation than to risk dealing with an unknown, potentially more dangerous one.
- Better The Devil You Know: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
The phrase "better the devil you know" conveys a preference...
- Better The Devil You Know: Definition, Meaning, and Origin
Sep 17, 2023 · The phrase "better the devil you know" conveys a preference for sticking with a familiar situation or individual, even if they aren't perfect, over venturing into the unknown. It underscores the human tendency to opt for predictability over uncertainty. Let's delve into its core meanings and usage:
- Better The Devil You Know Meaning
- Origin of Better The Devil You Know
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- Summary
Definition: Something bad but known is better than something unknown. This proverb, often shortened to “better the devil you know,” describes how to deal with something unpleasant. The “devil” could be any bad person, place, or thing. This idea behind this proverb is that dealing with a bad thing that you already know and have faced is preferable t...
This is an Irish proverb that has been in use since the 1300s. There are two main ideas about its origins. Some say that it first appeared in a book of proverbs by R. Taverner. Others claim that it was first said during a war for control between two brothers. According to this tale, when one brother took over rule, the commoners were happy because ...
This phrase is most often used to describe people. For example, a politician in power may be frustrating or corrupt, but people may fear that his or her opponent in an election will create worse laws and be even more corrupt. In this situation, it is better to vote for the “devil you know” because people understand how to work with that politician ...
“Various people, especially his Senate colleagues, have repeatedly said on and off the record that he’s terrible to work with, but what’s past is past. As they say, better the devil you know than t...
Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t know cautions that although something may be bad now, an unknown option could be even worse.
The meaning of BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW THAN THE DEVIL YOU DON'T is —used to say that it is better to deal with a difficult person or situation one knows than with a new person or situation that could be worse.
Meaning: This is the shortened form of the full idiom, 'better the devil you know than the devil you don't', and means that it is often better to deal with someone or something you are familiar with and know, even if they are not ideal, than take a risk with an unknown person or thing.
The phrase "Better the devil you know than the devil you don't" is commonly used in both informal and formal settings. It is a well-known proverb that can be used in various situations to convey the idea of choosing familiarity over the unknown.
said when you think it is wiser to deal with someone or something familiar, although you do not like him, her, or it, than to deal with someone or something you do not know that might be worse. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Cautious and vigilant.
