I've heard this saying or quote several times recently... never heard it before. Anyone know what it means?
It means sticking with someone or something that is somewhat bad for you, rather then risking something new that may be worse. Example: Even though the government is found to be corrupt and out of ideas, it keeps winning elections because no one is quite sure what the main opposition party will do if they win. Its better to keep the low level and low key corruption going to keep the status quo, then risk a nasty upheaval with a new party.
"The devil we know" refers to an undesirable but well understood alternative, suggesting that it is a better choice than a poorly understood alternative that could ultimately be found to be far worse. I don't have any good references to offer, unfortunately. I did check a couple of phrase/quotation books I have to no avail.
Sorta like this... My boss retired..she was wicked..but the boss that could replace her could be potentially more wicked. Therefore, the devil i know, is what is familiar and the more favorable alternative to taking the chance that it could be worse.
the whole proverb is: and it does mean that you're better off with a bad thing you're used to, than risking a change over to what could be a worse one... such as a leader...
Haha. Thanks guys. I figured it meant something along those lines, but I wasn't particularly familiar with it.
