# if needs be

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/if-needs-be
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

If need be; if there is a need.

## Examples

- I can drive you to the airport if needs be.
- We have enough food for the weekend, but I can go to the store if needs be.
- The committee decided to postpone the vote until next month, though they would reconvene sooner if needs be to address the urgent budget crisis.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.