need (redirected from needed)

A friend in need (is a friend indeed).

something that you say which means that someone who gives you help when you need it is a really good friend. She looked after my dogs while I was in hospital. A friend in need is a friend indeed.

See also: friend

I don't need this! (informal)

something that you say when you are annoyed because something is causing you a lot of trouble. And the next thing that happens is the printer stops working and I'm thinking, I don't need this!

See also: don't, this

in someone's hour of need

at a time when someone needs help very much. I shall never forget that they were the people who helped me in my hour of need.

See also: hour

need your head examined/examining (British, American & Australian, humorous, British, humorous)

if you tell someone they need their head testing, you think that they are crazy because they have done something stupid or strange. You need your head examined if you're willing to spend £120 on a pair of jeans.

See also: examine, head

need something like (you need) a hole in the head (humorous)

if you say you need something like a hole in the head, you mean you do not need it and do not want it. We need a new shopping centre in our neighbourhood like we need a hole in the head!

See also: head, hole, like

That's all you need!

something that you say to show your anger when something happens which will cause you problems when you already have other problems. A train strike. That's all I need! Her son was arrested yesterday? Poor Brenda, that's all she needs at the moment!

See also: all

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if need be

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

something is all you need

that is something you do not want at all. “Do you still breed terriers?” “Heavens no! That's all I need.”

See also: all

need (to have) your head examined

you have done something that will make others think you stupid or strange. Anyone who pays that much for a pair of jeans needs to have her head examined.

Usage notes: usually used as a humorous criticism

See also: examine, head

need I say more

you know what else would follow if I were to tell you more. This athlete has power, speed, and agility. Need I say more? She is young, beautiful, clever, wealthy – need I say more?

See also: more, say

you don't need this

you refuse to deal with this. The first five minutes of that movie were so violent that I walked out – I don't need this.

who needs something

See also: don't, this