the lesser of two evils
Meaning
The less harmful or unpleasant of two bad choices; the option that does the least damage.
Origin
From an old moral/philosophical idea: when faced with only bad options, one should choose the one that causes the least harm. The phrasing is recorded in English for centuries and echoes earlier Latin/Christian ethical discussions.
Notes
Used when both options are undesirable but one is clearly less bad. Often carries resignation or cynicism; common in politics, work decisions, and everyday trade-offs.
Examples
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I didn't want to take either job, but I chose the one with shorter hours as the lesser of two evils.
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Paying the fine now felt like the lesser of two evils compared with going to court.
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We can either cut the budget or lay off staff, and cutting the budget is the lesser of two evils.
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He apologized, not because he meant it, but because it was the lesser of two evils.
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In an election with no great options, many voters pick the lesser of two evils.
Grammar & Usage Notes
Usually appears as a noun phrase: “the lesser of two evils.” Often follows “be” or “choose/pick”: “It’s the lesser of two evils,” “Choose the lesser of two evils.” Sometimes “the lesser evil” (singular) is used in context.
Synonyms
- the lesser evil
- the least bad option
- the better of two bad choices
Antonyms
- the best of both worlds
- a win-win