Is it correct to say: “A beggar has no choice?” (Not correct! See more…)

 “A beggar has no choice” is understandable but it is not a standard idiomatic expression. The equivalent standard expression is “beggars can’t be choosers,” which means people in desperate situations cannot afford to be picky. 

Nigerians, like many others, might prefer the directness and simplicity of ‘a beggar has no choice’ because it appears to be more relatable. It is a localised expression that seems to resonate with the cultural and socioeconomic realities of Nigerians.

However, what still remains acceptable in standard references is ‘beggars can’t be choosers.’

‘A beggar has no choice’ can be seen as a logical adaptation of ‘beggars can’t be choosers.’