ˈdræstɪk taɪmz kɔl fɔr ˈdræstɪk ˈmeʒərz
General
neutral
intermediate
- Literally:
- Extreme situations require extreme actions
What does "drastic times call for drastic measures" mean?
- Extreme circumstances require extreme actions
- Desperate situations justify unusual solutions
Examples
- We had to lay off staff—drastic times call for drastic measures.
- The policy is extreme, but drastic times call for drastic measures.
- Drastic times call for drastic measures, so we're changing our entire strategy.
Origin
A variant of the ancient principle 'extreme remedies for extreme ills' attributed to Hippocrates. The modern phrasing became common in the 20th century for justifying unusual actions in crises.
How to use it
Often used to justify unusual or severe actions. Can be sincere or slightly ironic depending on context.
Similar expressions
desperate times desperate measures
extreme action required
Opposites
proceed cautiously
take it slow
Related idioms
- actions speak louder than words
What people do is more important than what they say
- better safe than sorry
It's better to be careful and prevent problems than to take risks
- so far so good
Things have gone well up to now
- easier said than done
Something is more difficult to do than to talk about
- make a long story short
To summarize or get to the point
- to make matters worse
In addition to existing problems
Use it in a practice answer
Try "drastic times call for drastic measures" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.