Idiom idiom
you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink
Meaning
You can't force someone to make the right decision
Examples
“You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.”
“I bought my son all the books he needs for his exams, but you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.”
“The manager provided every resource necessary for the team's success, yet he soon realized that you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.”
Origin
first recorded 12th c. disputed origin
first recorded 12th c. disputed origin
One of the oldest recorded English proverbs, appearing in Old English Homilies around 1175: 'who can give water to the horse that will not drink of its own accord?'
Last updated June 7, 2026