Beggars must not be choosers

A person who is hungry and has no money to buy food should not complain when he is offered bread and cheese instead of roast lamp and new potatoes, with apple tart and cream to follow. He is in no position to argue with his benefactor and should be grateful for anything he is given. the proverb, of course, goes beyond food and bagging. It refers to anybody whose circumstances are such that he has no choice in a matter. He must take it or leave it.

See also:

• Never look a gift horse in the mouth
• He who pays the piper calls the tune