ENGLISH
REFERENCE

put the beggar on the gentleman

idiom
Meaning

To follow up something good with something inferior.


Examples
SIMPLE

Don't put the beggar on the gentleman with that cheap dessert.

CONTEXTUAL

The main course was delicious, but serving instant coffee really put the beggar on the gentleman.

COMPLEX

After the grand opening ceremony featured a world-class orchestra, the organizers put the beggar on the gentleman by hiring a mediocre local band for the finale.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    not to put too fine a point on it

    Used to apologize for a possibly impolite statement one is making; to put it bluntly; to express it in plain terms.

  2. 02

    put a band-aid on a bullet wound

    To inadequately treat a serious situation.

  3. 03

    put a blanket over

    Make (something) seem less serious.

  4. 04

    put a bug in someone's ear

    To make a small suggestion or give a hint that causes the listener to act.

  5. 05

    put a damper on

    To stop people from enjoying an activity.

  6. 06

    put a foot wrong

    To make a mistake.

  7. 07

    put a gun to someone's head

    To compel someone (to do something); to create a situation in which someone has no alternative course of action.

  8. 08

    put a hat on a hat

    To do something unnecessary, to go over the top

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