better the devil you know than the devil you do not

used to suggest that it is often safer to stick with a known situation, even if it is not ideal, than to risk the unknown

The proverb "better the devil you know than the devil you do not" has been widely used since at least the 16th century and is attributed to various sources, but it is often associated with European wisdom. It reflects the human tendency to prefer the comfort of the familiar, even when unpleasant, over the uncertainty of unfamiliar challenges. The saying serves as a reminder to weigh potential consequences before making significant changes, as familiar challenges tend to be more manageable than those that are unpredictable or unknown.