ProverbChallengeEnglish origin

They that cannot do as they will, must do as they can.

Meaning: When circumstances limit your options, pragmatism requires accepting what's achievable rather than lamenting what's impossible.

Origin: Recorded in A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases, an undated collection published in London by Whittaker & Co. around 1880 and credited to Thomas Preston. Its earlier history hasn't been traced.

Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults

Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.

Browse all compliments & insults →

Keep exploring

Explore all proverbs →