Meaning of the word "better the devil you know than the devil you do not" in English

What does "better the devil you know than the devil you do not" mean in English? Explore the meaning, pronunciation, and specific usage of this word with Lingoland.

better the devil you know than the devil you do not

US /ˈbetər ðə ˈdevəl ju noʊ ðæn ðə ˈdevəl ju du nɑːt/
UK /ˈbetə ðə ˈdevəl ju nəʊ ðæn ðə ˈdevəl ju duː nɒt/
"better the devil you know than the devil you do not" picture

Idiom

it is wiser to deal with someone or something familiar, even if they are unpleasant, than to take a risk with someone or something unknown

Example:
I decided to stay in my current job; better the devil you know than the devil you do not.
They kept the old software because better the devil you know than the devil you do not.