where there is a will, there is a way
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: where there is a will there is a way · where there's a will there's a way
Sense 1
Meaning · English
Alternative form of where there is a will there is a way.
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
[I]f he leaves the School poſſeſs'd of a ſluggiſh indolent Diſpoſition, and of Learning rather forc'd upon him than choſen, it is probable he will forget what he brought thence; but if he be active, emulous and aſpiring, he will certainly find Time for Reading and Thinking; for tho' it be a homely,
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
Traditional English proverbial phrase; full definition pending editorial review.
Where it’s used:
Used
Widespread English
Sources & notes
Listed on Wikipedia “List of proverbial phrases” (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-29); definition pending editorial review.
Common questions
What does “where there is a will, there is a way” mean?
Alternative form of where there is a will there is a way.
Is “where there is a will, there is a way” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.