if need be
idiom
: if something becomes necessary
You can always call me at home if need be.
We'll leave without them if need be.
Examples of if need be in a Sentence
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DeVito says Barnes & Noble is prepared to shift plans if need be due to the ongoing wildfires in Los Angeles, but the event is not currently impacted.
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Jennifer Maas, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025
Now the Rams must wait to see if three of five teams — the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and if need be the San Francisco 49ers on Monday — can win and enable McVay to rest starters for the playoffs.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Burning Blake Alex Boyd Some people would burn Blake to boil tea, if need be.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
As of publication time, the game was still set to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, but the NFL has a contingency plan in place to move it to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (the home field of the Arizona Cardinals) if need be.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
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Jennifer Maas, Variety, 15 Jan. 2025
Now the Rams must wait to see if three of five teams — the Cleveland Browns, Washington Commanders, Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, and if need be the San Francisco 49ers on Monday — can win and enable McVay to rest starters for the playoffs.
—Gary Klein, Los Angeles Times, 29 Dec. 2024
Burning Blake Alex Boyd Some people would burn Blake to boil tea, if need be.
—Max Ufberg, hazlitt.net, 10 Jan. 2025
As of publication time, the game was still set to take place at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, but the NFL has a contingency plan in place to move it to State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (the home field of the Arizona Cardinals) if need be.
—Rick Porter, The Hollywood Reporter, 9 Jan. 2025
See all Example Sentences for if need be
Dictionary Entries Near if need be
Cite this Entry
“If need be.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/if%20need%20be. Accessed 30 Jan. 2025.
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