settle for
To say 'okay, I'll take this' even though you wanted something better.
Meanings
To accept something of lower quality or value than what you originally wanted.
"She didn't want to settle for a small apartment, but it was all she could afford in the city."
"Don't settle for less than you deserve."
— Common motivational saying widely attributed to various self-help contexts; exact origin unknown.
To agree to accept a particular outcome in a negotiation or dispute, even if it is not fully satisfactory.
"The company didn't want to go to court, so they settled for a reduced compensation package."
To choose something by default when a preferred option is unavailable.
"The restaurant was out of pasta, so he settled for a sandwich."
Often carries a tone of mild disappointment or resignation. Commonly used in both spoken and written English. The phrase 'never settle for less' is a well-known motivational expression.
Commonly used with
Forms
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