juː kæn liːd ə hɔːrs tuː ˈwɔːtər bʌt juː kɑːnt meɪk hɪm drɪŋk
Animals
neutral
beginner
- Literally:
- Bringing a horse to water doesn't mean it will drink
What does "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink" mean?
- You can give someone an opportunity but can't force them to take it
- You can't force someone to do what's good for them
Examples
- I've given him every opportunity, but you can lead a horse to water...
- She won't take the help. You can lead a horse to water...
- We provided training, but you can lead a horse to water...
Origin
One of the oldest English proverbs, dating to 1175. Horses can be stubborn about drinking.
How to use it
Often used when frustrated with someone refusing help or opportunity.
Similar expressions
can't force someone
can only offer opportunity
free will prevails
Opposites
force compliance
make them do it
Related idioms
- kill two birds with one stone
To accomplish two goals with a single action
- let the cat out of the bag
To reveal a secret accidentally
- elephant in the room
An obvious problem or issue that everyone is aware of but no one wants to discuss
- don't count your chickens before they hatch
Don't assume success before it actually happens
- hold your horses
To wait and be patient
- fish out of water
Someone who feels awkward or uncomfortable in a particular situation
Use it in a practice answer
Try "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink" in a CELPIP-style Speaking or Writing task. The AI feedback tells you whether your word choice worked.