What does 'Necessity is the mother of invention' mean?

Idiom Statistics

• Public definitions: 3,919
• Members' definitions: 3,261
• Total definitions: 7,180

If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum.

If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.

Really Learn the Most Useful Telephoning Phrases - Download over 100 pages of stimulating self-study practice with model dialogues, a detailed answer key, hints, study tips, speaking practice, and preparation for your own real-life telephone calls.

Teaching Social English: Interactive Classroom Activities (2^nd Ed.) - Download over 350 pages of photocopiable activities to practise communication for social situations so students can feel comfortable with meeting people, starting and ending conversations, socialising, etc.

Download our lists of British English, American English & Animal Idioms in eBook (PDF) format. They're perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class! Available to buy and download now.