Would you like to tell someone that they should not assume that everything has always got the best for them in store? Would you like to tell someone that they should be happy with the deal they have, and not wanting for something more? The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' is a common saying that can say it. This post unpacks its meaning and origin.
Meaning
The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' is a common English saying that means people who are asking someone else for something should be happy with what they get.
The phrase implies that someone should be grateful for what they get, instead of wanting for what they have not gotten out of the deal.
The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' implies that someone cannot be particular or specific about something if they are asking for charity or a favor.
The phrase implies that someone has to take what they can get, especially if they are in need or in trouble.
The phrase implies limited choice, though can also be said to someone as an insult.
Someone can be given a harsh ultimatum with the phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' that implies someone has no choice in the matter.
The saying is almost never shortened, and the saying that 'beggars can't be choosers' is most often used in its entiriety.
Example Usage
“I told them that I didn't like green shirts, and he pointed ihat we had gotten most of them for free. Beggars can't be choosers, or something like that.”
“Beggars can't be choosers. If you parents give you a car for your birthday, you shouldn't have anything bad to say about it.”
“Beggars can't be choosers, and you have no right to complain about the type of soup they're going to be serving down at the soup kitchen.”
“If you have to choose your job from the unemployment line, then you don't have to complain about the type of job they're going to give you. Beggars can't be choosers.”
Origin
The common phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' is said to originate from the mid-1500s, where it first appeared in a collection of proverbs by writer John Heywood.
After the phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' was published in Heywood's proverbs, the phrase fell into popular use in the English language.
The phrase would persist through the 1600s, where it would be picked up by other writers and media houses as soon as the printing press came into more popular use.
'Beggars can't be choosers' has been translated into other languages as a direct phrase as a result of its popularity.
The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' has remained unchanged since its first use, and there are almost no variations or changes of the phrase even when it is translated.
Phrases Similar to Beggars Can't Be Choosers
- N/a
Phrases Opposite to Beggars Can't Be Choosers
- N/a
What is the Correct Saying?
- Beggars can't be choosers
Ways People May Say Beggars Can't Be Choosers Incorrectly
There are several ways in which someone can use the phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' in the wrong way, or misunderstand the meaning of the phrase when it is said.
The phrase has been translated into many languages as a direct phrase, but will make no sense in a language that does not have an equivalent phrase.
The phrase is used in full and almost never shortened. The phrase has almost no alternate wording, and saying 'beggar' would be incorrect as the plural form of the expression is always used.
Acceptable Ways to Phrase Beggars Can't Be Choosers
The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' is used to mean that someone cannot choose or be particular about something if they asked for charity or a favor.
The phrase is never shortened, and appears in its full form when it is used in English or other languages as 'beggars can't be choosers'.