Beggars can't be choosers

Meaning: When you need help, you accept what's offered.

Origin: English proverb from the 16th century.

Translations

• French: Qui est dans le besoin n'a pas le choix (literally: Who is in need has no choice)
• Spanish: A caballo regalado no se le mira el diente (literally: Don't look at the teeth of a gifted horse)
• Japanese: 贅沢は言えない (Zeitaku wa ienai) (literally: One cannot afford luxury)

More proverbs about Human Nature

• It takes a village to raise a child — Community support is essential for child development.
• One man's trash is another man's treasure — What one person discards, another may value.
• Absence makes the heart grow fonder — Being apart makes you appreciate someone more.
• There's no place like home — Home is where you feel most comfortable.
• You can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink — You can offer help, but you can't force someone to accept it.
• Misery loves company — Unhappy people seek others who are also suffering.

← Back to Proverbs

Loading the full interactive collection…