Learn English – Famous phrase for something which is forbidden or impossible, but can be done if desired enough

expressionsidiom-requestsphrase-requestsphrases

In some languages (for example Russian) there is a very famous phrase about something that is forbidden or not possible, but can be done if very desired.

Если нельзя, но очень хочется, то можно

Direct translation would be
"If it is forbidden, but very desired, then it is possible".

It can be applicable for anything, like for science/technology in a good way, for people relations in a bad way (like it is forbidden to have a mistress, but if you really want you can) etc.

Is there something like this in English?

I found one by Oscar Wilde "The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it", but can it be applicable not only to bad things like alcohol etc, but to science, technology?

For example, if it is well know that computer program cannot do this, but someone really did it. Can this phrase be used in that case?

Or maybe there is phrase which can be used in science/technology only. I am looking for this one (for science/technology).

Let's say (artificial example, of course) I am writing an article about possible ways to travel faster than light, or to travel to other stars, and I want to use it as an epigraph.

UPDATE1: Can I use phrase from Alice in Wonderland?
"The only way to achieve the impossible, is to believe it's possible."
but I think it is from movie, not from book.

Best Answer

You may use: where there's a will there's a way:

  • used to mean that if you are determined enough, you can find a way to achieve what you want, even if it is very difficult

(Cambridge Dictionary)

Also:

will power:

  • The strength of will to carry out one's decisions, wishes, or plans.
  • You may say that it is only a question of will power to achieve to do something.

(AHD)

Related Topic