What Does "If Need Be" Mean?
"If need be" is an English idiom. It means "if it becomes necessary."Examples in Sentences
Here are three examples of the idiom "if need be" used in a sentence:- I'm free tomorrow, so I can come help if need be.
- We have enough funds to continue the project and can look for sponsors if need be.
- She will stay overnight at the hospital if need be.
What Is an Idiom?
An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "If Need Be" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.
A Quick Test
You now know what "if need be" means, but are you good at English idioms? Let's see!
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