settle for (someone or something)

settle for (someone or something)

To accept someone or something less ideal or satisfactory than one desires. I had dreams of being an author, but I settled for a job editing other people's manuscripts. We had our eye on a gorgeous four-bedroom house, but it was too much money, so we had to settle for something smaller. We just worry that you're settling for someone you don't truly love because you're afraid of being alone.
See also: settle
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

settle for something

to agree to accept something (even though something else would be better). We wanted a redone, but settled for a blue one. \\I\\Ask your grocer for Wilson's canned cornthe best corn in cans. Don't settle for less.
See also: settle
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

settle for

Accept or be satisfied with as a compromise, as in He really wanted a bigger raise but decided to settle for what they offered. [Mid-1900s]
See also: settle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

settle for

v.
To accept something in spite of not being completely satisfied: I had to settle for a lower wage than the one I requested.
See also: settle
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • watch the clock
  • worldly
  • worldly desires
  • earthly
  • earthly desires
  • (one's) jam
  • run (one's) own show
  • run one's own show
  • because
  • (be) careful what you wish for(, (because) you just might get it)