Many are called but few are chosen

many are called, but few are chosen

A lot of people attempt to achieve or attain something, but only a select few will actually be successful. Our country is predicated upon the belief that any man or woman can find fortune if they simply work hard enough. Many are called, but few are chosen, though. We have one of the most prestigious programs in the country for musical theory, but competition for the few places we offer can be fierce—many are called, but few are chosen.

See also: but, chosen, few, many

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

Many are called but few are chosen.

Prov. Many people may answer a call for something, but only a few people are finally selected. (Biblical.) When it comes to getting into a good college, many are called but few are chosen.

See also: but, call, chosen, few, many

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.