Definition
If necessary; if there is a need.
Origins
Need is a noun, be a subjunctive. Perhaps an alteration of Old English phrases like ġif þearf bēo, literally "if need be". That phrase would have been completely unidiomatic, equivalent to "if a need exists" or "if there is a need". This is because (1) Old English had no indefinite article, (2) the word for "to be" was also the default word for "to exist" and translates the modern phrase "there is", and (3) the subjunctive mood was much more common and often translates the Modern English indicative.
See Also
- needs must
How People Actually Use It
if you need to ask someone to do you a favor today then come right out with it and don’t worry that they might refuse. Chances are they have been hoping you will call on them to assist you and will help out with no questions asked
"if you need to ask someone to do you a favor today then come right out with it and don’t worry that they might refuse. Chances are they have been hoping you will call on them to assist you and will help out with no questions asked"
Source: Urban Dictionary