If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Might Ride Idiom Meaning and Examples

If wishes were horses, beggars might ride is an expression suggesting that if everything was achievable just by wishing or thinking, then even the most destitute people (beggars) would have everything they desire, such as horses to ride.

This phrase points out that wishing alone is not enough to achieve what one desires; one must put enough effort to bring out the best in themselves and their results.

Also read – Living On the Edge Meaning

Usage With Examples

This phrase serves as a reminder that to achieve your goals or to turn your dreams into reality, you need to step out of your comfort zone. Instead of just wishful thinking, you must work hard with determination and make plans to achieve your goals. This term can be used in different ways and situations. Here are some uses of this phrase.

• ‘If you think wishes were horses, beggars might ride, Success comes to those who put in efforts and strike for their goals.’
• ‘I wish my crush would just notice me and fall in love with me. But, just as they say, if wishes were horses, beggars might ride.’
• ‘He wishes to become rich overnight. But he must understand that success doesn’t come overnight. If wishes were horses, beggars might ride.’
• ‘I want to score the highest marks in my class because I don’t have the will to study for long hours. I wish if wishes were horses, beggars might ride.’

If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Might Ride Similar Words

The phrase ‘If wishes were horses, beggars might ride’ has a lot of similar terms and synonyms that can be used in different contexts. Here are some of the common synonyms for this phrase.

• Actions speak louder than wishes
• Wishing is the beginning, not the end
• Fairy tales don’t come true without efforts
• Wishing without work is empty

Also read – The Last Straw Meaning

If Wishes Were Horses, Beggars Might Ride Quiz

1. What does the proverb “If wishes were horses, beggars might ride” mean?
A) Everyone should dream big
B) Wishes alone cannot bring success
C) Horses are very expensive
D) Beggars can become kings

Answer: B) Wishes alone cannot bring success

2. Which sentence uses the proverb correctly?
A) If wishes were horses, I would own a stable.
B) I wish I could be rich, but if wishes were horses, beggars might ride.
C) He wished for a bike, and he got one, so wishes are horses.
D) Beggars don’t need wishes, they need horses.

Answer: B) I wish I could be rich, but if wishes were horses, beggars might ride.

3. What does the word “beggars” imply in the proverb?
A) People with no wishes
B) People who always work hard
C) People who are poor and helpless
D) People who ride horses

Answer: C) People who are poor and helpless

4. Which of these modern phrases is closest in meaning to the proverb?
A) No pain, no gain
B) Better late than never
C) All that glitters is not gold
D) A stitch in time saves nine

Answer: A) No pain, no gain

5. What is the tone of the proverb?
A) Humorous
B) Realistic
C) Excited
D) Sarcastic

Answer: B) Realistic

6. Which is an example of using the proverb to give advice?
A) Don’t just sit there dreaming—if wishes were horses, beggars might ride!
B) I wish I had a horse, let me look online.
C) He has so many wishes, he should buy a horse.
D) We all have wishes, and they ride horses.

Answer: A) Don’t just sit there dreaming—if wishes were horses, beggars might ride!

7. In what type of context would this proverb most likely be used?
A) When discussing fairy tales
B) When encouraging hard work
C) While buying a horse
D) During a celebration

Answer: B) When encouraging hard work

8. Which word best completes this sentence? “She kept hoping for a promotion without doing anything, but her boss said, ‘________.’”
A) Actions speak louder than words
B) If wishes were horses, beggars might ride
C) All’s well that ends well
D) Don’t cry over spilled milk

Answer: B) If wishes were horses, beggars might ride

9. What literary device is used in the proverb?
A) Simile
B) Personification
C) Metaphor
D) Hyperbole

Answer: C) Metaphor

10. Complete the following sentence with the correct interpretation: “You can’t expect good grades without studying because…”
A) Studying is a waste of time
B) If wishes were horses, beggars might ride
C) School is easy for everyone
D) Grades come naturally

Answer: B) If wishes were horses, beggars might ride

Also read – Penny Wise and Pound Foolish Meaning

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