What's (a) The 'Devil' You Know & (b) Would Rather Not?

Question

Answer requires two replies attending two different devils.

Answer 1

The devil I know is what my hubby is making for dinner tonight, the devil I don't, well, hey, it could be worse, haha~ :)

Answer 2

Acidblonde is pretty close.

The devil you know refers to whatever evil or ickiness of which you are aware that you deal with on a daily basis...

Consider, if you will, a woman with a d**k for a husband.

The devil you don't know or would rather not know, refers to the evil or ickiness that may exist out there - but you don't have to deal with it right now... if ever.

Consider that same woman.  She prefers the devil she knows over the one she does not in that she stays with her abusive hubby rather than leave, because there are worse guys out there.

The concept is rather pessimistic if you ask me.  According to this maxim, even if things are crappy for you right now, there is no real chance of getting a better situation if you try to change it.