If wishes were horses . . .

[twheeler]

Where does the saying "If wishes were horses, then beggars would ride" come from?

[Quizmonster]

Its earliest reference appears to be in J Kelly's 'Complete Collection of Scottish Proverbs', published in 1721. So, if it was already a proverb 300 years ago, it's very unlikely that an actual 'author' will be discovered.

[kempie]

As you may expect there are several versions, variously attributed as a Scottish proverb and as a Mother Goose Nursery Rhyme.

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

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride.
If turnips were watches, I would wear one by my side.
And if "ifs" and "ands"
Were pots and pans,
There'd be no work for tinkers!

If wishes were horses, beggars would ride
Upon white chargers, with dames at their sides.

[undercovers]

I have always know this as "if wishes were fishes beggars wouldn't stave"... very confused as a child because my old mum would never finish the sentence and just say "if wishes were fishes" - very confuzzled indeed

[undercovers]

oops sorry to add to the confuzzlement - that was meant to be Beggars wouldn't starve

[Artful]

Excuse me but this is an 'aside' post.
undercovers, I just adore your words "confuzzled" and "confuzzlement". Would you mind if I borrowed them from time to time, please?

[undercovers]

Artful please feel free to share the confuzzlement with your friends and neighbours... all the best undercovers