Over the years, I have found that most English learners love idioms and expressions (like ‘beggars can’t be choosers’) so I try to share a few of the more commonly used ones so that you can extend your English vocabulary. BUT it’s important to use this kind of English vocabulary correctly otherwise your English will sound worse rather than better! So watch the video or have a read of the examples below and learn how to use it in everyday conversation:
What does it mean?
Firstly, it’s important to know that a beggar is somebody who typically lives on the street and asks others to give them money.
We use beggars can’t be choosers to say that if you haven’t got much money, you might have to accept a cheaper product because you can’t afford a more expensive one.
Following that logic, we also use it to say that you might have to accept a situation you are not happy with because you are not in a position to complain.
How to use ‘beggars can’t be choosers’ in a conversation
Perhaps you would really like a new winter coat but the one you want is too expensive so you have to buy a cheap one from the supermarket because beggars can’t be choosers. You say to your friend:
I really wanted that coat I saw in Harrods but this coat from the supermarket will have to do because beggars can’t be choosers I guess.
Perhaps you are looking for a job as a waiter but the restaurant offers you a job cleaning dishes. You are desperate for a job so you have to take the dishwasher job because beggars can’t be choosers. You say to your friend:
Ugh, I really didn’t want to be a human dishwasher! But I suppose beggars can’t be choosers!
Perhaps your Mum offers to babysit for you so you can go out. You want her to come on Saturday night but she can only do Tuesday. You accept Tuesday because you really need a night out and beggars can’t be choosers! Your mum says to you:
Well if you want a babysitter, it will have to be Tuesday. Beggars can’t be choosers you know!
Translate this phrase
Do you like this expression? Have you got a translation in YOUR language? Let me know in the comments below 😊
12 Responses
Thanks Nicki. I love this idiom and I can think of many situations when I might use it in my life. It’s very useful!
Ah you’re welcome George! I’m so pleased you like it – it’s a good one 🙂 Thanks for your feedback
I like this idiom because i don’t know much about it
for translation to my language is لا يمكن للمتسولين أن يكونوا مختارين.
i like it
Ah, I’m glad you like it Kaoutar! It looks beautiful in your script (although I have no idea what it says!) Thanks for sharing it with us 🙂
I love how you put this and explained this my high school english teacher makes explainng things so difficult but when I read this I completely understood
I’m so pleased this clarified things for you Kayelynn! That’s great to hear 😊
The expression “Beggars can’t be choosers” is taken from life situations and I liked it.
Fantastic! Yes it works well in daily conversation!
When I was young and wanted to have new fashionable trousers, my mum used to say:” You’ve got still three other ones in your wardrobe… so, beggars can’t be choosers!” (On ne choisit pas toujours.)😉
Yes Francis! This is a great example – and I love the French translation too 😁
can u please make a video or write somthing about this
Hi Shahwaiz. Just scroll up and you will see the video 🙂