🐴 Leading Horses: And Why They Just Won’t Drink 🚱
Cliché: You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink.
Definition:
You can provide someone with an opportunity but cannot force them to take it.
Related Terms:
- You can bring a horse to the water’s edge, but you cannot make him drink: A variation accentuating the inevitability of individual choice.
- You can show someone the path but cannot make them walk it: Highlights similar sentiments about guidance versus action.
Similar Expressions:
- You can take a horse to the trough but cannot make it dip its muzzle.
- You can give someone the opportunity, but the choice is theirs.
Proverbs:
- You can show the way, but only they can take the first step.
- Opportunities only benefit those who grab them.
Synonyms:
- Provide opportunities but cannot ensure utilization
- Present the chance, the rest is up to them
Antonyms:
- Force to act
- Comply without free will
Use in Literature:
- Samuel Johnson, in 1763, mused about “twenty cannot make him drink.”
- Anthony Trollope, in his 1857 work, exaggerated the number to “a thousand.”
Quirky Quote:
“You can lead a whore to culture but you can’t make her think.” — Dorothy Parker
Suggested Books:
- Animal Farm by George Orwell: A fable with animals showcasing independent thinking and action.
- To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Characters consistently face opportunities and the choice to act on them.
- The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger: Centers around individual choice and societal pressures.
Suggested Songs:
- “Take It Easy” by The Eagles: Emphasizes choices in a laid-back manner.
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra: Celebrates decisions taken by free will.
- “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor: Focuses on the triumph of individual resilience and decision-making.
Suggested Movies:
- Dead Poets Society: Inspires independent thinking and seizing the day.
- The Pursuit of Happyness: Exemplifies making the most of opportunities.
- Slumdog Millionaire: Highlights the role of choices and chances leading to remarkable outcomes.
### Which of these completes the cliché: "You can lead a horse to water but..."
- [x] You can't make it drink
- [ ] You can't make it lap
- [ ] You can't make it swim
- [ ] You can't make it dive
> **Explanation:** The correct phrase is "You can't make it drink," meaning that you can't force someone to take action even if given an opportunity.
### Who famously added a twist to the phrase with a humorous take involving a "whore"?
- [ ] Mark Twain
- [ ] Jane Austen
- [x] Dorothy Parker
- [ ] Oscar Wilde
> **Explanation:** Known for her wit, Dorothy Parker humorously quipped, "You can lead a whore to culture but you can’t make her think."
### True or False: The saying "You can lead a horse to water" was used as early as the twelfth century.
- [x] True
- [ ] False
> **Explanation:** True. The metaphor dates back to the twelfth century, showcasing its long-standing relevance.
With these explorations of common phrases, I leave you with this thought: Seize opportunities, let each choice be a step towards the extraordinary.
Remember, you can lead yourself to wisdom, only you can embrace it. 🌟
— E. P. Metafor, 2023
