You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink

Meaning

You can provide someone with an opportunity or advice, but you cannot force them to take it if they do not want to. It is the classic observation on the limits of helping others.

Pragmatic, resigned

Used in a sentence

• I gave him all the study materials, but you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
• We can offer them a better deal, but you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.
• I keep telling her to save money, but you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink.