Take the will for the deed.

Meaning: Accept someone's sincere effort or intention as equivalent to successful completion when circumstances prevent actual results.

Origin: From 'A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases' (1870). Public domain.

Translations

French: L’intention est réputée pour le fait (literally: The will is taken for the deed)

They that cannot do as they will, must do as they can. — When circumstances limit your options, pragmatism requires accepting what's achievable ra…
If one will not, another will. — Refusing an opportunity doesn't eliminate it; someone else will eagerly seize what you re…
Where the will is ready, the feet are light. — Motivation and eagerness make difficult journeys feel effortless and swift.
It's an ill wind that blows nobody good. — Even harmful circumstances benefit someone, so misfortune rarely affects everyone equally.
You cannot drive a windmill with a pair of bellows. — Attempting small, inadequate efforts cannot generate the sustained force needed for signi…
Tread on a worm and it will turn. — Even the meekest, most powerless creature will resist when pushed to its absolute limit o…

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