Beggars can't be choosers Meaning in English

expression

US

BEG-erz KANT bee CHOO-zerz

UK

BEG-uhz KAHNT bee CHOO-zuhz

释义

This expression means that if you are desperate or relying on what others give you, you cannot be picky about what you get.

用法与细微差别

Informal, often said when accepting something less than ideal because there are no better options. Common when receiving free or second-hand things. Can sound dismissive if used insensitively.

• Spanish: a caballo regalado no se le mira el diente - no se puede exigir cuando se acepta lo que se da
• Portuguese (BR): quem não tem cão caça com gato - não se pode escolher quando se está precisando
• Portuguese (PT): a cavalo dado não se olha o dente - não se pode escolher quando se está a precisar
• Chinese (Simplified): 有得就不错了（不可以挑三拣四）
• Chinese (Traditional): 有得就不錯了（不可挑三揀四）
• Hindi: मांगने वालों को chooser नहीं बनना चाहिए - जो मिला उसी में संतोष करो
• Arabic: المضطر لا يملك حق الاختيار
• Bengali: ভিক্ষুকের আবার পছন্দ হয় নাকি
• Russian: на безрыбье и рак рыба - дарёному коню в зубы не смотрят
• Japanese: 背に腹は代えられない - もらえるだけありがたい
• Vietnamese: ăn mày còn đòi xôi gấc
• Korean: 얻어먹는 입장에선 가릴 수 없다
• Turkish: dilencinin seçme hakkı olmaz
• Urdu: مانگے تانگے والوں کے پاس چوائس نہیں ہوتی
• Indonesian: hanya pengemis yang tidak bisa memilih

例句

I don't really like this shirt, but beggars can't be choosers.

basic

We have to eat what’s available—beggars can't be choosers.

basic

She took the old phone because beggars can't be choosers.

basic

You might not love the job, but hey, beggars can't be choosers in this economy.

natural

They offered us a ride even though their car was crowded—beggars can't be choosers.

natural

I know instant noodles aren't great, but beggars can't be choosers when there's nothing else to eat.

natural