English Reference
Idiom idiom

if needs be

Meaning

If need be; if there is a need.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Examples
SIMPLE

“I can drive you to the airport if needs be.”

CONTEXTUAL

“We have enough food for the weekend, but I can go to the store if needs be.”

COMPLEX

“The committee decided to postpone the vote until next month, though they would reconvene sooner if needs be to address the urgent budget crisis.”

Anchors to
Related idioms4entries
  1. 01

    if need be

    If necessary; if there is a need.

  2. 02

    last thing one needs

    Something not wanted by someone, who is already burdened.

  3. 03

    need one's eyes checked

    To be seeing things (having visual hallucinations).

  4. 04

    special needs

    Needs for special care, services or accommodations for people with disabilities.

Last updated August 10, 2026