if need be
if it is necessary

[TahlilGaran] Dictionary of Contemporary English ▲

need if you need something, you must have it, because you cannot do something without it:
I need your help.
The people desperately need food and clean water.
require formal to need something:
Children require a lot of attention.
The game requires great skill.
can’t do without something to be unable to do something without something:
A lot of people can’t do without their mobile phones.
could do with something/could use something informal to need or want something:
Shall we stop? I could do with a rest.
be desperate for something to need something urgently:
Liz was desperate for a cigarette.
The people are desperate for food.
be dependent on something/somebody to be unable to live or continue normally without something or someone:
The refugees are dependent on outside food supplies.
demand formal if one thing demands another, it needs that thing in order to happen or be done successfully:
The situation is urgent and demands immediate action.
a real/clear need (=one that really exists)
There is a real need for after-school care in our area.
an urgent need (=one that must be dealt with quickly)
The most urgent need was for more teachers.
a pressing/crying need (=a very urgent need)
There’s a crying need for more doctors and nurses.
a desperate need (=an extremely urgent need)
There is a desperate need to build more housing.
a growing/increasing need
She emphasized the growing need to deal with environmental problems.
stress/emphasize/underline the need for something (=say how important it is)
He stressed the need for better training courses.
eliminate the need for something (also obviate the need for something formal) (=make something unnecessary)
The new drug treatment eliminates the need for surgery.
a need exists
New teaching materials must be created if a need exists for them.
there is a need for something
Clearly there is a need for more research.
there is no need for something
They felt that there was no need for a formal contract.
as/if/when the need arises (=if or when something becomes necessary)
Team members move from job to job as the need arises.
if need be (=if it is necessary)
I can work during my lunch break if need be.

[TahlilGaran] English Thesaurus ▲

if need be
provided it is necessary.
If need be, we'll rent a car.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

if need be
adv. phr. If the need arises.
If need be, I can come early tomorrow and work overtime.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲