beggar

[ˈbɛɡər]

beggar Definition

  • 1a person, typically a homeless one, who lives by asking for money or food
  • 2a person who is in extreme poverty

Using beggar: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "beggar" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    The beggar on the street corner asked for some spare change.

  • Example

    He was reduced to a beggar after losing his job and home.

  • Example

    The city has a large population of beggars living in poverty.

beggar Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for beggar

Antonyms for beggar

Phrases with beggar

  • beggar belief

    to be too extraordinary or impossible to believe

    Example

    The amount of money he spent on that car would beggar belief if I hadn't seen it with my own eyes.

  • beggars can't be choosers

    if you are in a bad situation and someone offers to help, you have to accept whatever they give you and shouldn't complain about it

    Example

    I know you don't like this job, but right now beggars can't be choosers.

  • rob Peter to pay Paul (and beggar thy neighbor)

    to take something from one person or thing to pay another, leaving the first in a worse position

    Example

    The company was robbing Peter to pay Paul, taking money from one department to fund another and causing both to suffer.

Origins of beggar

from Old English 'bēġear', meaning 'one who begs'

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Summary: beggar in Brief

A 'beggar' [ˈbɛɡər] is a person who lives in extreme poverty and asks for money or food. It is often used to describe homeless people. The phrase 'beggars can't be choosers' means that when someone offers help, you should accept it without complaint. 'Beggar belief' means something is too extraordinary to believe.

How do native speakers use this expression?