necessary evil
[/ˈnesəseri ˈiːvəl/]
nounpl: necessary evils
mal necessário
1. Something undesirable or unpleasant that must be accepted or tolerated because it is unavoidable or required for a greater good
Paying taxes is considered a necessary evil by most citizens.
Pagar impostos é considerado um mal necessário pela maioria dos cidadãos.
2. An unpleasant situation, person, or thing that cannot be avoided and must be dealt with
Some view bureaucracy as a necessary evil in modern government.
Alguns veem a burocracia como um mal necessário no governo moderno.
This phrase reflects a pragmatic worldview common in both American and Brazilian cultures, acknowledging that some unpleasant aspects of life cannot be avoided. In Brazil, it's frequently used in discussions about taxes, politics, and bureaucracy. In the USA, it's commonly applied to regulations, government oversight, and infrastructure maintenance.
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