Explaining "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride"

Reviewed and edited by

Anwar Kareem 30/07/2025, 16:03

English.me team member

What does it mean?

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride

The phrase means that simply wishing for something doesn't make it happen; if merely wishing could make things real, even the poorest would have everything they desire.

Tone

Pragmatic and slightly dismissive, often used to gently remind someone that hope or desire alone is not enough.

Origin

The proverb traces back to at least the early 17th century in Scotland and England; it first appeared in print in James Carmichael’s collection of Scottish proverbs in 1628.

Examples of usage

You can't just hope for a new car to appear—if wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
She keeps saying she wants a promotion but never does anything about it. If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
"I wish I could travel the world easily," he sighed. His friend replied, "If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."