Needs must

Posted by Bruce Kahl on April 30, 2001

In Reply to: Needs must posted by Mikeyboy on April 30, 2001

: Anyone out there know the meaning and origin of the phrase "needs must when the devil drives"?

Definitions of similar phrases: It must be; it needs must be; it cannot be helped; che sarà sarà; there is no help for it; "> Shakespeare in All's Well That-Ends Well, i. 3.
"He must needs go that the Devil drives"

The French say: "Il faut marcher quand le diable est aux trousses;" and the Italians say: "Bisogna andare, quando il diavolo è vella coda." If I must, I must.

there is no alternative; nothing for it but; necessity has no law; needs must when the devil drives; dis aliter visum.

• Needs must ESC 04/30/01