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
Recent Examples on the Web
Carin, a flight attendant for a major domestic carrier, revealed that her airline in particular requires workers to help passengers locate space in the overhead bins, and aid with lifting it if need be — but not to pick up the bag on their own.
—
Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
We're told that the setup can alternatively run solely on the drone's own battery power if need be, for approximately five to 10 minutes.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
Their food and any other necessities are brought to the doors of their rooms by workers in hazmat suits, and security personnel are on hand to enforce—violently, if need be—the guests’ involuntary solitary confinement.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Ten months later, DART slammed into the smaller space rock in the system as planned, showing that humanity has the ability to nudge a potentially hazardous asteroid off course if need be.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2025
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Merrell Readman, Travel + Leisure, 19 Apr. 2025
We're told that the setup can alternatively run solely on the drone's own battery power if need be, for approximately five to 10 minutes.
—Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 6 Apr. 2025
Their food and any other necessities are brought to the doors of their rooms by workers in hazmat suits, and security personnel are on hand to enforce—violently, if need be—the guests’ involuntary solitary confinement.
—Richard Brody, The New Yorker, 13 Mar. 2025
Ten months later, DART slammed into the smaller space rock in the system as planned, showing that humanity has the ability to nudge a potentially hazardous asteroid off course if need be.
—Mike Wall, Space.com, 24 Feb. 2025
See All Example Sentences for 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 25 Apr. 2025.
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