you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink

idiom

Meaning

You can't force someone to make the right decision

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?'

Examples

SIMPLE

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.

CONTEXTUAL

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.

COMPLEX

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.

Last updated June 7, 2026