PhrasesHub

Beggars can't be choosers

    Definitions

      • express a lack of options or opportunities
        When faced with limited choices or resources, one must accept what is available, even if it may not be the ideal or preferred option.

      • express gratitude for what one receives
        Acknowledge and appreciate what is given, regardless of its value or appeal, as it is better than having nothing.

    Examples of Beggars can't be choosers

    • Sarah had been jobless for several months, and as a result, she applied for any job that was available in the area. Though she was particular about the job roles and the work environment, ultimately she realized that beggars can't be choosers and took up a job at a fast food restaurant just to make ends meet.

      When Sarah was jobless, she was in a difficult financial situation. She realized that she did not have the luxury of being selective about the job she took because she needed any job that would provide her with an income. This expression is often used to refer to situations where people are in dire need and have to accept whatever is available, even if it is not ideal.

    • Jake was a struggling artist, and he was constantly applying for art shows and exhibitions. Though he was passionate about creating unique and thought-provoking pieces, most galleries were not interested in his work. Jake eventually realized that beggars can't be choosers and started submitting his art to more commercial shows, which resulted in his work being displayed in several galleries across the city.

      Jake was an artist who was struggling to make a name for himself in the industry. He had a specific style that he was passionate about, but it was not always commercially viable. Jake realized that he could not be too selective about where he submitted his artwork because he needed to find venues that would accept his work. This expression is often used in situations where people have to compromise their preferences in order to achieve a desired outcome.

    • Rachel and James had been married for several years, and they both had careers that took up a considerable amount of time. They had been trying to have a baby for several months, but Rachel's irregular menstrual cycles made it difficult to conceive. Rachel eventually realized that beggars can't be choosers, and she started seeing a fertility specialist to help them conceive.

      Rachel and James had been trying to have a baby for some time, but Rachel's irregular menstrual cycles were making it difficult for them to conceive. Rachel realized that she could not be too selective about how they tried to conceive because they needed to find a solution that worked for them. This expression is often used in situations where people are facing challenges and have to be willing to accept less-than-ideal solutions in order to achieve a desired outcome.

    • The charity organization had been struggling to find donors, and it had reached a point where they did not have enough funds to continue their programs. The board of directors eventually realized that beggars can't be choosers, and they started sending out mass emails to potential donors, even if they were not necessarily the most prestigious organizations in the city.

      The charity organization had been having difficulty finding donors, which put their programs at risk. The board of directors realized that they could not be too selective about who they approached for donations because they needed to find any source of funding that was available. This expression is often used in situations where people are facing resource constraints and have to be willing to accept less-than-ideal sources of funding or support in order to achieve their goals.

    • John had been jobless for months, and he took the first job he got offered because, as the saying goes, beggars can't be choosers.

      This is a common usage of the idiom in the top position of the sentence, introducing the statement. John's situation of being jobless for such a long time forced him to accept the first job that came his way because he recognized that as a beggar, he could not expect to be selective and choosy in his choice of employment.

    • The soup kitchen only served plain rice and vegetables, but the homeless men and women couldn't complain because beggars can't be choosers.

      This is another common usage in the middle or the camelback position in the sentence. Here, the soup kitchen is providing only simple and basic food items, and the recipients, who are begging for this food, recognize that they cannot reject these offerings and demand anything better or fancier than this because they are simply beggars, and they cannot afford to be choosy.

    • In the game of Monopoly, when there aren't many properties left, and most of the good ones have already been taken, the players evidently can't be choosers about the ones that are left because it's only a matter of time before the game ends.

      This is an illustrative usage of the idiom in connection with a game. Here, when the supply of properties in the game is running out, the remaining ones may not be as desirable as some that have already been taken, but the players still must accept these offerings because they cannot afford to hold out and insist on more selective choices. This expresses the same idea as the previous examples, but in the context of a game and a different situation.

    • My palate was initially repulsed by the smell of canned sardines, but as the proverb goes, beggars can't be choosers.

      This is a creative and somewhat comical usage of the idiom, demonstrating the diverse ways in which this expression can be adapted and employed in a variety of different situations. Here, the speaker is acknowledging that he may not like the smell or taste of canned sardines, but he understands that as long as he is in a position of need or necessity, he cannot afford to be selective about his choice of food because he is essentially a "beggar" in this context.Use following format of a complete essay on "Beggars can't be choosers" idiom use:INTRODUCTION: Start with a brief historical or cultural background of the saying, followed by a thesis statement that indicates your main point and focus.BODY: Use your examples as the foundation for three or four main points or arguments. Expand each point with relevant explanations and details.CONCLUSION: Summarize your main points and emphasize the importance or significance of the idiom in modern times. Provide a few examples that illustrate the continued relevance of this expression in contemporary society.REFERENCES: Include a list of at least three reliable sources that you consulted during the research process.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "beggars can't be choosers" is commonly used to convey the idea that when one is in a disadvantaged or desperate situation, they must accept what is offered to them, even if it may not be exactly what they want. It can also be used to express gratitude and humility for what one receives, as it is better than having nothing at all.

    The first meaning of the idiom is often used in situations where someone is being picky or selective, despite not having many options. For example, if a person is offered a job that may not be their dream career, but it is the only job available to them, someone might say "beggars can't be choosers" to remind them that they should be grateful for the opportunity.

    The second meaning of the idiom is often used in a more literal sense, where someone who is actually a beggar must accept whatever is given to them, as they have no other means of obtaining resources. In this context, the idiom is used to highlight the unfortunate reality of being in a disadvantaged position and the importance of being grateful for what is received.

    Origin of "Beggars can't be choosers"

    The origin of the idiom "beggars can't be choosers" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the 16th century. It may have stemmed from the idea that beggars, who rely on the generosity of others for survival, could not afford to be selective about what they receive.

    One possible origin of the idiom is from the 1546 book "A Dialogue Containing the Number in Effect of All the Proverbs in the English Tongue" by John Heywood, where the phrase "beggars should be no choosers" is mentioned. Another theory is that it originated from the Latin phrase "mendicant non eligunt," meaning "beggars cannot be choosers."

    Over time, the idiom has become a common expression in the English language, used to convey the idea that one must be content with what they have, especially when they have limited options or resources. It has also been adapted and used in various forms, such as "beggars can't be pickers" or "beggars can't be beggars and choosers."