What is the origin of the idiom "the lesser of two evils" and when to use it?

The idiom "the lesser of two evils" can be traced back to ancient Greek philosophy, particularly the works of Aristotle. Aristotle introduced the concept of "choosing the lesser of two evils" as a means of ethical decision-making. However, the exact phrase itself gained popularity in English literature during the 19th century. It was used by various authors and thinkers to describe the act of selecting the option that is perceived to have the least negative consequences when faced with two unfavorable choices.