What does “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” mean?

"If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have" means if you cannot get the best of something, make the most of what you can get. This proverb encourages us to appreciate what we have and make the best of our circumstances.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I may not have the latest smartphone, but I'll make the best of what I have. I'll take good care of it and make it last as long as possible.

Example

I didn't get the promotion I wanted, but I'll make the best of what I have. I'll work hard in my current position and prove my worth.

Example

I may not have the fanciest car, but I'll make the best of what I have. I'll keep it clean and well-maintained, and be grateful for having reliable transportation

Is “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” effectively in context?

You can use "If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have" to encourage someone to appreciate and make the most of their current situation, even if it's not ideal. It emphasizes the importance of gratitude and resourcefulness. For example, if a friend is disappointed about not getting their dream job, you might say, 'It's not the job you wanted, but you can still make the best of what you have and excel in your current position.'

1Personal Possessions
I may not have the latest smartphone, but I'll make the best of what I have. I'll take good care of it and make it last as long as possible.
2Career
I didn't get the promotion I wanted, but I'll make the best of what I have. I'll work hard in my current position and prove my worth.
3Material Possessions
I may not have the fanciest car, but I'll make the best of what I have. I'll keep it clean and well-maintained, and be grateful for having reliable transportation.

Similar phrases to “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.”:

Count your blessings

To focus on and appreciate the good things in your life

Example

Instead of complaining about what you don't have, count your blessings and be grateful for what you do have.

Make lemonade out of lemons

To turn a difficult or negative situation into something positive or advantageous

Example

She lost her job, but she decided to make lemonade out of lemons and start her own business.

Silver lining

A positive aspect or outcome in a challenging or negative situation

Example

Even though she didn't get the promotion, the silver lining is that she now has more time to focus on her personal projects.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” come from?

The origin of the phrase "If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have" is unknown.

Is “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have" is a common proverb that is often used in everyday conversation. It reminds us to be grateful for what we have and to find contentment in our current circumstances.

What tone does “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” have?

"If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have" conveys a tone of optimism and resilience. It encourages a positive mindset and the ability to find joy and satisfaction in any situation.

Can “If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have.” be used in informal and formal settings?

The proverb "If you cannot have the best, make the best of what you have" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that promotes gratitude and resourcefulness. You can use it in conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as presentations, speeches, or writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'Even though I didn't get the job I wanted, I will make the best of what I have and excel in my current position.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the proverb even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "make the best of what I have"!' to imply making the most of a situation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

appreciate what you have
make the most of your circumstances
find joy in the little things
embrace your current situation
optimize your resources

Antonyms

always strive for the best
settle for less
accept mediocrity
give up on improvement
be dissatisfied with what you have