English Idioms

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Beggars can’t be choosers

Meaning

The idiom "beggars can't be choosers" is used to convey that when one is in a position of desperation or need, they have no right to complain or object. It means that when someone is in a difficult situation, they should not expect better treatment or circumstances, and should be grateful for whatever they receive.

Usage

  • "After being out of work for months, John was ecstatic to finally land a job, even if it wasn't his dream."
  • "When the restaurant ran out of her favorite dish, Sarah reluctantly ordered something else, knowing that beggars can't be choosers."
  • "Despite the long lines and slow service, John was happy to get a cup of coffee, reminding himself that beggars can't be choosers."
  • "When her car broke down on the side of the road, Lisa tried not to worry too much, knowing that she had no other options but to wait for help."
  • "After losing his job and struggling to make ends meet, John was grateful for any work he could find, even if it meant working long hours."

Roots and History

The origin of the idiom is not entirely clear, but it is thought to have originated in medieval Europe when beggars would often be given leftover food by wealthy households. If they were unhappy with what they received, they had no other recourse than to leave and continue their search for food elsewhere. This led to the idea that beggars should not complain or object, as they had no other options.

Synonyms in English

  • "You can't have your cake and eat it too."
  • "You get what you pay for."
  • "If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
  • "When life gives you lemons, make lemonade."
  • "You have to take the good with the bad."

Synonyms in other languages

  • French: "Il n'y a pas de mal qui ne vienne pas d'une mauvaise oreille" (There is no evil that does not come from an ill-informed ear).
  • German: "Wenn der Teufel macht, so hat er einen Teufelsstuhl" (If the devil makes a mistake, then he has a Devil's chair).
  • Italian: "Il diavolo piglia chi non ha la gamba per farsi fuori" (The devil catches those who don't have the leg to get out of it).
  • Spanish: "El diablo lleva al que no puede escapar" (The devil takes those who cannot escape).
  • Russian: "Слово жалобы не звучит, если у вас нет руки, чтобы обычный портфель спасти" (The word of complaint does not sound if you do not have the hand to save an ordinary portfolio).

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