C1idiomdecisionsIELTS-friendly
the lesser of two evils
USUK
the less bad choice when both possible choices are bad
Also 'the lesser evil'. Note 'lesser', not 'less'.
In context
Working on Saturday was the lesser of two evils; the other option was missing the deadline.
Many voters chose him as the lesser of two evils, not because they liked him.
More idioms about decisions
- a Catch-22a situation you can't escape because each solution depends on the other
- a change of hearta change in your opinion or plan, usually towards a kinder or different view
- a double-edged swordsomething that has both good and bad effects
- a fait accomplisomething already decided or done that others must now accept
- a foregone conclusiona result that is certain before it happens