Ask a Question
or
Create a Poll
  1. Home /
  2. Questions /
  3. Social Sciences
  4. / Etymology
  5. / Phrase Origins

by Mrs.mezzo is a Wagnerian soprano on March 14th, 2007

Mrs.mezzo is a Wagnerian soprano

Question

Help answer this question below.

Where does the phrase "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride." originate? (Looking for country of origin or original source, not explanation)

  • Like
  • Report
Share:
Other

Answers. 2 helpful answers below.

  • by Anonymous on October 14th, 2008

    Anonymous

    The full nursery rhyme was first published in 1844 and is believed to be of Scottish origin. However, the first line, "If wishes were horses, beggars might ride," was published in John Ray's collection, English Proverbs, in 1670. From this, we can assume that it was in use long before.

    • Like
    • Report

    No comments. Post one | Permalink

  • by LynfromNM on March 14th, 2007

    LynfromNM

    It's from either an old English of Scottish nursery rhyme, according to this website
    http://www.rhymes.org.uk/a117-if-wishes-were-horses.htm

    If Wishes were Horses...

    If wishes were horses then beggars would ride,
    If turnips were swords I'd have one by my side.
    If 'ifs' and hands were pots and pans
    There would be no need for tinkers hands!

    • Like
    • Report

    1 comment | Post one | Permalink

Want to attach an image to your answer? Click here.

Did this answer your question? If not, then ask a new question or create a poll.

More Questions. Additional questions in this category.

You're reading Where does the phrase "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride." originate? (Looking for country of origin or original source, not explanation)

Follow us on Facebook!

Related Ads

Related Questions

Professionally Researched

ANSWERBAG BUZZ

If wishes were horses origin
If wishes were horses meaning
If wishes were horses beggars might ride
If wishes were horses beggars would ride
Phrase if wishes were horses

Answerbag

a Demand Media company