if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride

if wishes were horses, (then) beggars might ride

One must work for the things one wants, not merely wish for them to come true; wishing for something won't make it happen. A: "I just wish I was earning a little bit more money than I do now." B: "Well, if wishes were horses, beggars might ride." The president said he wishes the country would be more united on this issue, but if wishes were horses, then beggars might ride.
See also: beggar, if, might, ride, wish
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

if wishes were ˌhorses, beggars would/might ˈride

(saying) wishing for something does not make it happen
See also: beggar, if, might, ride, wish
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • if wishes were horses, beggars would/might ride
  • If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride
  • if wishes were horses, (then) beggars would ride
  • if wishes were horses, beggars would ride
  • you wish
  • you wish!
  • Don’t you wish!
  • don't you wish
  • Don't you wish!
  • dying wish