# put the beggar on the gentleman

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-the-beggar-on-the-gentleman
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To follow up something good with something inferior.

## Examples

- Don't put the beggar on the gentleman with that cheap dessert.
- The main course was delicious, but serving instant coffee really put the beggar on the gentleman.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.