PhrasesHub

Many are called but few are chosen

    Definitions

      • selection or favoritism
        Indicates that many people may be considered for a position or opportunity, but only a small number will actually be selected or chosen

      • exclusion or rejection
        Suggests that while many are invited or included, only a few will ultimately be accepted or embraced

    Examples of Many are called but few are chosen

    • In every college, thousands of students apply for a limited number of scholarships. The selection process is extremely competitive, and only a few lucky students are chosen to receive the scholarship. This idiom, "Many are called but few are chosen," perfectly captures the essence of this process.

      This idiom is used to describe a situation where many people are considered for a particular position or opportunity, but only a select few are ultimately chosen. It emphasizes the fact that although many people may be qualified or interested, there are often strict criteria for selection that narrow down the list of potential candidates. The phrase "called" in this idiom is used to suggest that these people are being considered or invited for a role, and "chosen" refers to the individuals who are ultimately selected for the position. This idiom highlights the fact that it can be difficult to stand out in a crowded field and emphasizes the importance of having the necessary skills and qualifications to be chosen over others.

    • When selecting candidates for a job interview, the company receives hundreds of applications from highly qualified candidates. Many are called, but only a few are chosen to come in for an interview.

      This example illustrates how the idiom can be used to describe a variety of situations, including selection processes for jobs, scholarships, and other opportunities. It highlights the competitiveness of the process and emphasizes the fact that because so many people are considered, only a select few are ultimately chosen for the opportunity.

    • When choosing a team to represent the country at the Olympics, thousands of athletes from around the country compete in trials and qualifying events. Many are called, but only a few are chosen to represent their country on the world stage.

      This example demonstrates how the idiom can be used to describe selection processes for teams and events that require a high level of skill and competition. It highlights the rigors of the selection process and the difficulty of being chosen over others.

    • When developing a new product, many ideas and concepts are proposed, but only a few are ultimately chosen to be developed and brought to market.

      This example emphasizes how the idiom can be used to describe selection processes for product development and innovation. It highlights the fact that although many ideas may be proposed, only a select few are chosen to be developed and brought to market because of their potential for success and profitability.In each of these examples, the idiom "Many are called but few are chosen" is used to describe a situation where many people or ideas are considered, but only a select few are ultimately chosen for a specific position, opportunity, or outcome. This idiom serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of standing out in a crowded field and emphasizes the need for having the necessary skills, qualifications, and potential to be chosen over others.

    • In every Job interview, numerous candidates apply for the position, but only a select few are ultimately offered the job.

      This idiom highlights the fact that although many individuals may be considered for a particular position, only a limited number are deemed suitable and are given the opportunity to take on the role.

    • When trying out for a sports team, many talented athletes show up for the trials, but only a select few make the final cut.

      This idiom highlights the fact that just because someone has potential, it doesn't necessarily guarantee their selection, as there may be other factors at play such as team dynamics, position already filled, etc.

    • In a crowded field of political candidates, many parties nominate individuals for office, but only a select few go on to actually win the election.

      This idiom highlights the fact that having a party nomination or being a popular candidate during the primaries does not guarantee victory in a general election, as final results may be influenced by a variety of factors.

    • When applying for college, a large number of students submit applications, but only a select few are admitted based on their academic records, extracurricular activities, and other necessary criteria.

      This idiom illustrates the fact that although there might be a significant number of applicants, the final decision often involves a set of rigorous evaluation processes that exclude most of the candidates.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Many are called but few are chosen" is often used to convey the idea that while many may be considered or invited, only a select few will actually be chosen or accepted. It can be used in various contexts to highlight the concept of selection, favoritism, exclusion, or rejection.

    In a positive light, the idiom can be used to emphasize the importance of being chosen or selected from a larger group, highlighting the value of the chosen few. On the other hand, it can also be used to caution against assuming that everyone who is called or included will ultimately be chosen or embraced.

    Overall, the idiom serves as a reminder that not everyone will be chosen or favored, and that selection or acceptance is often limited to a few individuals.

    Origin of "Many are called but few are chosen"

    The idiom "Many are called but few are chosen" has its origins in the Bible, specifically in the Gospel of Matthew, where it is used in the context of a parable told by Jesus. The parable emphasizes the idea that many are invited to the kingdom of heaven, but only a few will actually be chosen to enter.

    The idiom has since been used in various contexts beyond its religious origins, often to convey the concept of selection, favoritism, or exclusion in different situations. It has become a common expression in the English language, used to highlight the idea that not everyone who is considered or included will ultimately be chosen or accepted.