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if need be

idiom

Definition of if need be

: if something becomes necessary
  • You can always call me at home if need be.
  • We'll leave without them if need be.

Word by Word Definitions

need play

  1. : necessary duty : obligation

  2. : a lack of something requisite, desirable, or useful

  3. : a physiological or psychological requirement for the well-being of an organism

  1. : to be needful or necessary

  2. : to be in want

  3. : to be in need of : require

See the full definition of need

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