the lesser of two evils

US /ðə ˈlesər əv tuː ˈiːvəlz/
UK /ðə ˈlesər əv tuː ˈiːvəlz/
"the lesser of two evils" picture
1.

the less unpleasant of two unpleasant choices

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Choosing to work overtime was the lesser of two evils compared to missing the deadline.
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Sometimes you have to choose the lesser of two evils to move forward.
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