proverb · Words worth keeping
They that cannot do as they will, must do as they can.
They that cannot do as they will, must do as they can.
Historical period not yet established
Understand the thought
Meaning in plain English
When a preferred course is unavailable, consider what can realistically be done. The contrast between will and can separates desire from present capacity.
What the words are saying
The saying recognises that wishes do not always match circumstances. It can encourage a useful alternative rather than paralysis because the ideal option is blocked. It should not require acceptance of an unfair barrier or dismissal of an important aim. A careful reading asks what is feasible now, what support could change the limit and whether a smaller action still serves the purpose.
Everyday example
A group unable to run a large event offers a feasible smaller meeting while continuing to investigate better access.
When to use it
Use it to identify a worthwhile feasible step under a real constraint.
What it does not mean
Working within a limit does not make the limit fair or permanent.
Agent-assisted editorial interpretation. This explains the words; it does not by itself verify their author or earliest origin.
Attribution & collection notes
- Author or tradition
- Traditional
Attribution: traditional - Country attributed
- Not established
A country attribution does not establish the earliest origin. - Historical period
- Historical period not yet established
No sufficiently supported historical placement has been established. Import and download dates are not treated as composition dates. - Recorded source
- A Dictionary of English Proverbs and Proverbial Phrases
Entry 1772 · Will
A collection's publication date can be later than the words it records.
- Culture
- English