European proverb 190

Beggars can’t be choosers

If you’re asking for a favour from someone else, you must take whatever they give you. People who are in great need must accept any help that is offered, even if it is not a complete solution to their problems. When you cannot have what you want, you must accept whatever you can get.

Kalale: I asked Mukosha to lend me his bicycle, and he gave me this old, rusty one. But beggars can’t be choosers.

Katumpa: Let me wear your green dress; I don’t like the blue one you lent me.
Mangala: Beggars can’t be choosers.

Abapushi tabasalapo

Kati ukofwaya bambi bakwafweko, walinga wapokelela icili conse bakupa. Abantu abali mukufwailisha balingile ukusumina bonse ubwalisho bapelwa, nangu line tebwingapwisha amafya abo. Ulo utangakwata ifyo ukofwaya, walinga wapokelela ico conse wasanga.

Kalale: Naipwishe Mukosha ukungashimako incinga yakwe, nomba ampele iyakale ne ndalabwa. Nomba abapushi tabasalapo.

Katumpa: Kamfwaleko ilaya lyobe ilya katapa katapa; nshatemenwepo lilya ilya bulu wangashimeko.
Mangala: Abapushi tabasalapo.