Half a loaf is better than no bread

usgb
proverb

It's better to accept less than what you want than to have nothing at all.

Even though I didn't get the salary I wanted, I accepted the job offer because half a loaf is better than no bread.
Visual representation of "half a loaf is better than no bread" - It's better to accept less than what you want than to have nothing at all.

Often appears as...

  • albeit it's not the full price
  • half a loaf is better than no bread

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "half a loaf is better than no bread"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Compromise Value

This phrase often suggests accepting a compromise or partial fulfillment of your desires.

Illustration for Compromise Value
They offered me less vacation time, but I took the job anyway—half a loaf is better than no bread.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Avoiding Greed

Use this phrase to remind someone not to be greedy by rejecting something smaller in hopes of getting more later.

Illustration for Avoiding Greed
I would take the smaller bonus now—half a loaf is better than no bread.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Pragmatism

This proverb emphasizes being practical over being idealistic.

Illustration for Pragmatism
They didn't accept my full proposal, but half a loaf is better than no bread, so I agreed.
Visual representation of the word "Half a loaf is better than no bread"

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