You can lead a horse to water

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Meaning

You can offer help or chance, but can't force action.

Origin

From 12th-century England, in an 1175 Old English homily; 'you can lead a horse to water, but not make it drink'-tied to horse care. By 1543, Heywood's proverbs list it.

Variants

  • Horse to water
  • Lead to water

Usage Examples

  • I gave advice; you can lead a horse to water.
  • You can lead a horse to water; he won't study.
  • You can lead a horse to water; she still quits.

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