beggars can't be choosers

beggars can't be choosers

You must accept that which is given to you, especially if you don't have the means to acquire it yourself. That dress wasn't exactly what I would have picked for myself, but, hey, it was free, and I'm broke right now. Beggars can't be choosers.
See also: beggar
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

Beggars can't be choosers.

Prov. If someone gives you something you asked for, you should not complain about what you get. I asked Joe to lend me his bicycle, and he sent me this old, rusty one. But beggars can't be choosers. Jill: Let me wear your green dress; I don't like the blue one you lent me. Jane: Beggars can't be choosers.
See also: Beggar
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

beggars can't be choosers

Those in dire need must be content with what they get. For example, The cheapest model will have to do-beggars can't be choosers. This expression was familiar enough to be included in John Heywood's 1546 collection of proverbs.
See also: beggar
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

beggars can't be choosers

You say beggars can't be choosers to mean that you should not reject an option if it is the only one which is available to you. Initially I'd take any job that was offered me — beggars can't be choosers. There are some apartments available, and beggars can't be choosers, but they're not very nice.
See also: beggar
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

beggars can't be choosers

people with no other options must be content with what is offered. proverb
See also: beggar
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ˌbeggars can’t be ˈchoosers

(saying) when there is no choice, you have to be satisfied with whatever you can get: I would have preferred a bed, but beggars can’t be choosers so I slept on the sofa in the living room.
See also: beggar
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

beggars can't be choosers

Those in need must take whatever they can get. A proverb in John Heywood’s 1546 collection, this expression has been repeated ever since, with very little variation. A minor exception was Thomas Fuller’s version (Gnomologia, 1732), “Beggars and Borrowers must be no Chusers.”
See also: beggar
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
See also:
  • in full feather
  • queen up
  • dress up
  • dress ship
  • Don't worry
  • don't worry (about a thing)
  • dress down
  • bazoom
  • go to the expense
  • butterfly
References in periodicals archive
"Playing at Rotherham isn't the perfect place to celebrate 100 games but beggars can't be choosers," he added.
Rugby Union: PROUD SKIPPER HENNO HITS 100; Venter reaches appearances landmark and says: "It's an honour - now I want to go on and make it 200'
"Three over is not what you want on the Friday of a Major but the way I hit the ball beggars can't be choosers."
Golf: HARRI BACK IN WITH A 68; THE US MASTERS 2007..
Although it still wasn't from open play, an Everton goal at home was something we could only witness on DVD so far this seasonbut beggars can't be choosers, so good on James Beattie for giving ussomething to cheer about.
FOOTBALL: VIEW FROM THE STANDS: Heads held high at Goodison; Supporters' views of the weekend's games
As a charity, you take your money, more or less, where you can get it - for beggars can't be choosers.
Charity may begin at home; but decency should be universal
Beggars can't be choosers. All those companies were guilty of was being cleverer than the League - which probably isn't that difficult.
Football: Steve Claridge - FA discipline's a lot of old Verbals
But beggars can't be choosers, and Hall and his boardroom colleagues were mighty glad of the pounds 47.4million raised.
Hall's final shot at City
But beggars can't be choosers And with Chas starting a relationship with James Barton, that leaves two of his three sons - bad boy Ross and hard grafter Pete - as the only two eligible men in the village, with third brother Finn waiting for the right man to come along.
Love of a Dingle girl; We love SOAPS
DR Andrew boasting the Bullingdon Club members' that of Bullingdon critic, (Not just Bully boys, 18) can be answered by those with a higher Quite often haven't a But those with a heart Are a class apart Which one applies, Jacqueline Ideally, I'd have preferred to handle the book to see how many illustrations it contained but beggars can't be choosers.
Brought to book; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
He swiftly axed the lot of them before deciding that Posh's parlous league position means beggars can't be choosers so two of the naughty night owls - Gaby Zakuani and Emile Sinclair - are set to be included today.
Fuming Fergie may be in for a tough evening
"The ideal solution would be a player from a Premiership club who needs game time, but beggars can't be choosers and whoever it is, we just want someone who can do a job for us for a couple of months."
RUGBY UNION: Cov need propping up after Carl's KO
STEPHEN PEARSON insists beggars can't be choosers and vows he'll play in any position just to get a game for Celtic.
Football: Pearson: Play meanywhere you like Gord; OLD FIRM SPOTLIGHT
It isn't quite a case of beggars can't be choosers, but there is a greater degree of pragmatisim needed in some quarters if the city is to maximise the benefits of the current enthusiasm of investors
We need to be more pragmatic
"I know beggars can't be choosers, but there is nothing more intimidating for opposing teams than a Stradey Park full to the rafters with our fans in full voice.
Rallying call to Scarlets supporters; HEINEKEN CUP
Beggars can't be choosers RECORDED in John Heywood's Dialogue of Proverbs of 1546, this phrase means that when you can't have exactly what you want, you should be satisfied with whatever you are given.
What are you saying? TRACING ORIGINS OF PROVERBS
"Beggars can't be choosers," said Prest, "but ideally I'm looking for something around 16hh and aged between four and seven that will be suitable for general riding and just some light local jumping.
IN BRIEF: Prest seeks new inmate