This phrase is used to express the idea of settling for an alternative when the first option is not available. It literally translates to 'In the absence of bread, a biscuit'.
Examples
- Spanish: Quería ir al cine, pero a falta de pan, galleta, así que vi una película en casa.
- English: I wanted to go to the cinema, but in the absence of bread, a biscuit, so I watched a movie at home.