lesser of two evils
The least harmful or unpleasant of two undesirable alternatives.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Choosing between these two bad options is the lesser of two evils.”
“I dislike both candidates, but I will vote for the one who seems like the lesser of two evils.”
“Faced with a choice between a costly delay and a risky shortcut, the manager chose the latter as the lesser of two evils.”
- 01
beast with two backs
Two people united in sexual intercourse in the missionary position.
- 02
eat for two
To be pregnant
- 03
evil twin
A duplicate or counterpart that acts in a contrary, nefarious, or insidious manner.
- 04
fall between two stools
To fit into neither of two categories and, hence, be neglected or fail.
- 05
feed two birds with one scone
Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.
- 06
for two pins
Readily, with only the slightest encouragement.
- 07
greater of two evils
The most harmful or unpleasant of two undesirable alternatives.
- 08
hit two targets with one arrow
Synonym of kill two birds with one stone.
Last updated August 10, 2026