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Region: General | Usage example: I advised him, but you can lead a horse to water.

You can lead a horse to water

Meaning

You cannot force someone to accept help.

Usage

Used when people refuse assistance.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Old proverb about guiding animals.

Documented in Middle English texts.

Related Idioms

Don't look a gift horse in the mouth

Accept gifts gratefully without critiquing them.

Back the wrong horse

Support someone who ends up losing or failing.

Water under the bridge

Past events that are forgiven or no longer important.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.