ProverbWisdom
English origin1605
English origin1605If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
Meaning: Wishing alone accomplishes nothing; only action and resources transform desire into reality.
Origin: It grew in stages. William Camden's Remaines (1605) has "If wishes were thrushes, beggars would eat birds"; James Carmichael's Scottish proverbs of 1628 brought in the horses, for poor men; and James Kelly's collection of 1721 gives the wording used today. It later became a nursery rhyme. If wanting were enough, everyone would have what they want; since it is not, wishing achieves nothing.
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