Question 1

What does "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" mean?

Accepted Answer

You can provide someone with a good opportunity but you cannot force them to take advantage of it.

Question 2

How do you use "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" in a sentence?

Accepted Answer

She set up the interview for him, but he didn't prepare at all — you can lead a horse to water.

Question 3

Is "you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" formal or informal?

Accepted Answer

"you can lead a horse to water but you can't make it drink" is register-neutral — appropriate in both casual and formal contexts. A proverb emphasising the limits of external help when someone lacks motivation or willingness.