“You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink” is thought to be the oldest proverb still in everyday English use. Here is what it means, its remarkable history, how to use it, and a few sayings that share its wisdom about willingness.
What Does It Mean?
The proverb means you can give someone every opportunity or advantage, but you cannot force them to take it if they don’t want to. You can offer help, advice, or a chance — but the final choice to act is theirs. It is often used about reluctant learners, stubborn colleagues, or anyone who won’t be persuaded to do what is plainly in their own interest.
Origin of the Proverb
This is widely regarded as the oldest English proverb still in common use. It first appears around 1175 in the Old English Homilies, in the line “Hwa is thet mei thet hors wettrien the him self nule drinken?” — “Who can give water to the horse that will not drink of its own accord?” The saying was originally used to encourage those meeting resistance while spreading religious teaching, and it has been in continuous use ever since, appearing in John Heywood’s famous proverb collection of 1546 and countless times thereafter.
Examples in a Sentence
- “We gave him all the study materials, but he won’t open them — you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink.”
- “I offered to help her find a better job; she won’t apply. You can lead a horse to water.”
- “The training is free and excellent, yet half the team skips it. You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.”
Similar Proverbs
- You can’t help those who won’t help themselves — willingness has to come from within.
- A willing horse needs no spur — the motivated need no pushing; the unwilling can’t be pushed.
- You can’t force a flower to bloom — some things can’t be made to happen.
- Advice is least heeded when most needed — people resist help they don’t want.
For more time-worn wisdom, see our smart thoughts and the full library of proverbs and their meanings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “you can lead a horse to water but you can’t make him drink” mean?
It means you can give someone every opportunity, but you cannot force them to use it — the choice to act is ultimately theirs.
Is this the oldest English proverb?
It is widely considered the oldest English proverb still in everyday use, first recorded around 1175 in the Old English Homilies.
Is it “him” or “it”?
Both are common — “you can’t make him drink” and “you can’t make it drink” mean exactly the same thing.