We must do as we may, if we cannot do as we would.

When the course we prefer is not possible, we must act within the limits of what we can do. A workable choice may be better than waiting for ideal conditions.

The saying distinguishes accepting a constraint from welcoming it. Taking the available course does not mean pretending it is as good as the one we wanted.

Use it when a preferred plan cannot be carried out but another course remains possible. It can encourage a practical compromise or explain a decision to proceed despite imperfect options.