He needs must go that the devil drives.

Understand the thought

Meaning in plain English

Strong pressure can make a person feel they have little choice about moving forward. The devil driving supplies a forceful image of compulsion, while leaving room to examine the choices that remain.

What the words are saying

The person is pictured as being driven rather than freely selecting a course. The saying can explain why someone acts under a demand they would otherwise resist. A useful reading distinguishes genuine constraints from an excuse used to avoid responsibility. Both questions matter: what pressure exists, and what alternatives are realistically available? The image does not prove that every action taken under pressure is unavoidable or justified. Nor should it dismiss the difficulties of someone with limited options. It invites a closer understanding of the situation before making a simple judgment about the person’s conduct.

Everyday example

A volunteer explains that an unexpected deadline forced a rushed arrangement, then looks for ways to avoid the same pressure next time.

When to use it

Use it to discuss pressure, limited options and responsibility.

Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.