loaf

Half a loaf is better than none.

something that you say which means it is better to take what you are offered, even if it is less than you wanted, because it is better than nothing. I only got half the salary rise I asked for, but I took it anyway on the grounds that half a loaf is better than none.

See also: better, half, none

Use your loaf. (British & Australian, old-fashioned)

if you tell someone to use their loaf, you are telling them in a slightly angry way that they should think more carefully about what they are doing. You haven't even switched the thing on. Come on, Jamie, use your loaf!

See also: use

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half a loaf

less than what is wanted or is right. I didn't get everything I wanted in my contract but decided to accept half a loaf and not fight it.

Usage notes: the full form of this idiom is half a loaf is better than none getting less than what you wanted is better than getting nothing: The new ferry service operates only on weekends, but half a loaf is better than none.

Etymology: based on the idea that it is better to have some bread to eat than none at all

See also: half