Meaning of better known bad than good to know (what does it mean, concept and definition)

What it means Better known bad than good to know:

"Better known bad than good to know" is a saying that calls for caution, since it affirms that it is not convenient to risk what you have or know for something that is supposedly better.

Changes always create uncertainty because they carry risks: a decision that alters the course of things always brings misgivings, reluctance, as it could have negative consequences.

In this sense, it is a saying from which the idea of ​​conformity is also inferred, to resign ourselves always to what we already have or know, and to avoid the changes that always force us to travel unknown territories.

According to this sentence, the new will not necessarily be better or more convenient than the previous one and, therefore, it is not worth changing but adapting to what we already have and know.

As such, it is a phrase widely used to express reluctance in the face of change, especially when it generates doubts and concerns, because deep down we feel that we could be wrong. It is typical of those who do not want to leave their comfort zone and are afraid of change.

Quitting a job we hate for another that could be better, selling our old car to buy a new one, moving to another area of ​​the city, etc., are situations where this saying would be applicable.

A variant of this expression is "the known bad is better than the good to know."

In English, the expression “better known than good to know” can be translated as “ better the devil you know than the devil you don't know ”, which literally translates: ' better the devil you know than the devil you don't know '.

See also:

• Bad grass never dies.