needs must

needs must

Said when something is necessary but undesirable, unpleasant, or unfavorable. I didn't want to drive all the way across town again to collect the bed, but needs must. I already had plans for this evening, but if needs must I can take you to the airport.
See also: must, needs
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

needs must

sometimes you are forced to take a course of action that you would have preferred to avoid.
This is a shortened form of the proverb needs must when the Devil drives , which is first found in a work by the medieval author John Lydgate .
See also: must, needs
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

needs ˈmust (when the devil drives)

(saying) in particular situations it is necessary for you to do something you do not like or enjoy: Of course I’d rather go to the beach than sit here studying for my exams, but needs must I suppose.
See also: must, needs
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • Let every man skin his own skunk.
  • in for
  • be in for
  • be in for something
  • get (something) over with
  • get it over with
  • heave a sigh of relief
  • breathe a sigh of relief
  • sigh
  • sigh of relief
References in periodicals archive
In budgeting, needs must be prioritized over wants.