Riding a horse idiom Definition of riding in the Idioms Dictionary. It emphasizes that the amount is so great that even a horse Jan 2, 2023 · “On the back of a horse” – This means to be physically riding on a horse. Back the Wrong Horse 14. 2. Over time, the expression came to be associated with any situation where someone was experiencing great success or happiness. According to DARE, the logic of "a horse apiece" may come from an old dice game called "horse" in which two players who have each lost a turn are said to be "a horse apiece. Because this height put them physically high above the crowds, people began to use this metaphorically. Up on your high horse: It indicates pointing out someone as pompous. Meaning: A painful muscle cramp, usually in the leg. they are riding in on a white horse phrase. “Horse-trading” – This means negotiating or bargaining, often in a cunning or shrewd manner. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Flog/Beat a Dead Horse 3. May 7, 2014 · More often than not, they would come across cows that were much slower and burdensome. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of riding a horse on its hind legs, which symbolizes strength and dominance. The core idea remains about superiority and arrogance, but the nuance can shift depending on the phrase’s structure and context. What does ride hobby-horse expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. The horse is in a hurry to move when it gets excited or nervous, often getting out of control. ride your hobby-horse phrase. Example: “Dinner will be ready soon. hobbyhorse phrase. Do not underestimate a horse’s pride, or he will dent yours. 走马看花 (zǒumǎkànhuā) means glancing at the flowers while riding on Aug 10, 2023 · Riding a horse is like therapy with a little more hair and a lot more hay! A dog may be man’s best friend…But the horse wrote history. Every horse thinks its own pack heaviest. – Pam Brown; Riding a Shire is like a moving sofa!!! Jan 31, 2014 · A similar phrase, "horse and horse," dates back to at least 1846. What does ride your hobby-horse expression mean? riding; riding for a Jan 9, 2019 · As a preface, if you’re unfamiliar with the “beating a dead horse” idiom, it means that it’s a waste of time to continue doing something where the outcome is already decided. Charley Horse 13. Don’t Spare the Horses 8. The idiom “high horse” has been in use since at least the 17th century and originated from literal equestrian practices. While or after you have finished reading see if you can guess which horse idioms the pictures represent. Today's theme is idioms with horses. . Now, saying “getting back in the saddle” means you’re ready to try again after a tough time. The key to choosing a horse once you are past the beginner stage and wish to advance your skills is to pick one that will challenge you, without over-facing or be intimidating. Toggle the table of contents. Animals, of course, have long been a deep well of examples from which we draw to Jan 1, 2024 · One-horse Town 7. This idiom encourages humility and reminds us to treat others respectfully rather than assuming undue pride or superiority. Thus, you have to pull its reins to hold it. It conveys the idea of taking a quick and superficial glance at things. One fact about the idiom is that it is derived from the Bible. Get off your high horse: It means to stop being pompous and arrogant. As horses age, their gums recede, making the teeth appear longer. It refers to someone who is self-assured and in control, especially in challenging or difficult situations. ride hobby-horse phrase. However, Greek soldiers were hiding inside the horse, and once inside the walls, they were able to destroy the city. As riding horses changed, the phrase began to mean more broadly. Don’t back the Apr 4, 2017 · The hobby horse was replaced in the 16th century by the barrel horse, which consisted of a circular log supported by four legs and adorned with a fake horse head. " My sister needs to get off her high horse and stop lecturing me because I know she was a troublemaker as a teenager! The radio host is known for always being on his high horse, despite the fact that everyone knows he's a creep. In this American English pronunciation video, we’ll go over some of those idioms. unemployed or riding a cow to find a horse (riding a donkey to find a horse) of people's livelihood. This phrase carries a sense of entitlement and condescension. Definition of on horseback in the Idioms Dictionary. Back In The Saddle Beat A Dead Horse Don’t Look A Gift Horse In The Mouth Don’t Shut The Barn Door After… As for the act of riding it brought us in the days of chivalry at full tilt with tilting being an early name for jousting where two knights charge at each other on horseback in an attempt to topple their opponent off his horse and to get on one’s high horse referring to the arrogance of those in command who chose the biggest horses as a To summarize, the origins of the idiom “on one’s high horse” can be traced back to medieval times when riding a tall horse was seen as a sign of wealth and power. Everything I knew about horses was from My Lovely Horse - a song from the comedy show Father Ted (which is about two Catholic priests who live on a tiny island): An old frontiersman loses his horse. The prime minister is clearly riding two horses at once—trying Horse Sayings – Idioms You can lead a horse to water but you can’t make it drink. Mary’s Church, Reading, 1557: Item, payed to the Mynstrels and the Hobby-horse on May Day, 3s. After such strenuous activity, it was important to take good care of the animal by grooming it thoroughly before putting it back in its stall for rest. #2 Bronc. The exact origins of this idiom are unclear, but it likely comes from horse racing. ” The idiom "ride high" means to be successful or prosperous, to have a lot of money or material possessions, or to be in a position of power or authority. 1. 2 Idiom. And this got us all thinking about idioms involving a horse. A one-horse race. riding a horse: . In ancient times, horses were primarily used for transportation, hunting, and warfare. I lived 35 years without thinking about horses. Of course, riding a horse like this over ground - or a person - would result in serious damage. What does riding expression mean? Riding horses over the state's many trails has become a special From “hold your horses” to “back the wrong horse,” these phrases draw inspiration from the unique characteristics and history of horses. "Hobby-horse" can also be spelled as a single word. The closest I came to a horse was seeing one on TV. riding phrase. Hold Your Horses 2. While we can’t be certain about who popularized the phrase, it’s most likely related to horse riding or driving. This custom dates back to at least the 16th century, when a payment for a performance by a hobby-horse was recorded in the Churchwarden’s Accounts of St. Sure you want the horse, that's the goal. " Or it may just be a variant of "horse and horse," describing two horses racing neck-and-neck down a The origins of this phrase can be traced back to the days when people rode horses as their primary mode of transportation. Apr 21, 2019 · In a recent article we told you about the origins and meaning of five different horse-related idioms: “Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink,” “Champing at the bit,” “Hold your horses,” and “A horse of a different color. Horses have inspired numerous idioms in the English language. Oct 11, 2024 · This saying comes from the fact that a horse’s teeth continue to grow and change with age. That’s a significant amount of time to build a bond, and can perhaps explain why so many people like horses. It suggests that a concern for the horse overrides concern for the ground or whatever is being ridden over. Mar 13, 2023 · Freehand riding in rodeo refers to the act of riding a bucking horse or bull with one hand holding onto the animal and the other hand raised in the air for the duration of the ride. Jan 22, 2025 · Horse Idioms and Sayings. He eats like a horse. Below, you’ll find 61 horse idioms listed alphabetically, complete with their meanings and example sentences. riding in on a white horse phrase. On the other hand, the idiom "on one's high horse" can be seen as a negative variation of "ride high. In this article, we will explore 40 horse idioms with meaning and examples. And, I’m sure there are more. What do you call a man riding a horse? Definition of ride in on a white horse in the Idioms Dictionary. An attitude of moral superiority. flower viewing from horseback (idiom); a fleeting glance in passing / fig. Oct 27, 2023 · 走马观花 (zǒu mǎ guān huā) is a popular Chinese idiom that translates to "viewing flowers while riding a horse" in English. The first 5 of today’s idioms about horses are as Dec 9, 2020 · “Dark horse”, “stalking horse” and “horseplay”… the English language is rich with equestrian idioms. Enough to Choke a Horse “Enough to choke a horse” is an idiom used to describe an excessively large quantity of something. ride two horses at once phrase. Learn more. Usage and Variations of the Idiom “on one’s high horse” Apr 21, 2025 · on the back of a horse : by riding a horse… See the full definition. The idioms about horses are – A Horse of a different color; Back the wrong horse; Beat a dead horse; Beaten at the post; A Charley horse; Chomp at the bit Definition of ride two horses at once in the Idioms Dictionary. Games; Word of the Day; Grammar on horseback idiom: on the back of a horse : Feb 27, 2025 · A living horse, traditionally, is a symbol of power, freedom, energy, and movement. The Huainanzi, a philosophical anthology believed to have been written pre-139 BCE, records a fable of an old frontiersman and his horse: One day, the old man’s horse escaped. It suggests that the person is acting superior and looking down on others. Oct 3, 2024 · The Connection to Horseback Riding. No wonder there are so many Chinese words, expressions and idioms containing the character for horse, or 马 (mǎ). What does ride in on a white horse expression mean? Definitions by the largest Idiom Dictionary. Possible origin: This idiom originates with the story of the ancient Greek army besieging the city of Troy. ON HORSEBACK definition: 1. A Quick Test Jun 14, 2024 · An event primarily for women in which a horse and rider attempt to complete a cloverleaf pattern around preset barrels in the fastest time. We’ll look at a few examples today. This blog post takes you on a linguistic trot through the stable of “Horse Idioms in English,” exploring their meanings, origins, and powerful impact on spoken and written language. In the book of Revelation, there is a passage that describes a pale horse and its rider, symbolizing Death. Straight from the horse’s mouth. Short for bronco, a type of horse with a propensity to buck, used in rodeo events such as saddle bronc or bareback Jun 23, 2016 · Literal: This phrase is related to horse riding or driving a horse-drawn vehicle, where in order to wait somewhere you’d have to “hold your horses”. The neighbors thought the horse must have crossed the border into another kingdom where he couldn’t retrieve it, and felt sorry Ride the high horse: It means to be actively pompous. Would you believe we came up with almost 20 phrases and idioms that use the word horse, or somehow reference horses. superficial understanding from cursory observation / to make a quick judgment based on inadequate information An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. Without further delay, saddle up and have a look at these fascinating expressions. Mar 20, 2025 · Learning these expressions will help you sound more natural and confident when speaking English. The best I could manage is "riding a horse as a duo", which makes it more clear, but I am not sure if there's a better more idiomatic way of putting it. Take the cow, they'd say. It’s not surprising when you consider they can live up to 30 years. That proverb has stuck with me ever since. A Horse of a Different Colour 10. A Charlie horse. Dark Horse 4. Never drink down-stream from your horse! Be wary of the horse with a sense of humor. High Horse Idiom Origin An old frontiersman loses his horse. 1 Synonyms. Idiom Explorer See alsotall order: Idiom Meaning and OriginThe idiom "tall order" means a demanding or May 30, 2018 · As a beginner, you want to find the perfect horse. The History of Horse Riding. It takes us from a literal meaning to a figurative one, all within the high horse historical context. Each idiom about horse has an easy explanation and a simple sentence to help you understand how to use it. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community. a close call meaning – a narrow escape from danger/disaster example – It was a close call, but we got to the gate a minute before it closed. “He’s got a good (strong) horse sense” – This means common sense or practicality. Equine expressions Idioms about horses. Those with military or political power would often choose the biggest horses to ride, in a display of their power. After some research, I found many common expressions and compound nouns that use the word horse. When a jockey rides his horse to victory, he is said to be riding high on his mount. People use this horse idiom when referring to a different outcome or circumstance than what they expected. What does on horseback expression mean? or via) riding on a horse. on horseback phrase. This is a challenging and thrilling event that requires a great deal of skill, balance, and bravery from the cowboy. Feb 5, 2014 · Horses have served people in transportation, farming, wars, horse races as well as leisurely horseback riding. Eat Like a Horse Definition of hobbyhorse in the Idioms Dictionary. What does they are riding in on a white horse Nov 20, 2018 · As the Opies note, ‘to ride a cock-horse’ was a phrase used to refer to riding a toy horse, or an adult’s knee, and this sense of the phrase has been found as early as 1540. In this article, we'll explore the origins of this expression, its underlying meaning, the lessons it imparts, and how it can be applied to modern life. Stalking Horse 9. The rocking horse in its current form is widely believed to have first appeared in the early 17th Definition of riding in on a white horse in the Idioms Dictionary. Sep 2, 2022 · Is there a phrase or expression that means "riding a horse with another person"? I can't think of a shorter more concise way to say it. What does riding in on a white horse expression mean Horses are wonderful animals that also become friends with us humans. But as you advance in your riding ability, the not-so-perfect horse can teach you a lot. We'll have to travel The origin of this idiom dates back to the 19th century in the United States, and is linked to horse riding or a person driving a horse-drawn wagon. Horse riding has been around for thousands of years and was an essential part of daily life for many cultures. In contrast, a dead horse symbolizes the antithesis – stagnation, lack of progress, and the absence of vitality. What does ‘tall in the saddle’ mean? The idiom "tall in the saddle" means being in a position of power, confidence, or authority. I could eat a horse. Master them all to stay in the race and become a true champion! A Charley horse. Horseplay 11. ride in on a white horse phrase. Dec 5, 2021 · In truth, there are several theories about how the saying came to be. Figurative: From the highest authority or original source. " Once grandpa starts riding his Mar 10, 2024 · The phrase conjures an image of someone literally sitting atop a tall horse, looking down on those standing on the ground, embodying a sense of superiority or condescension. Typically used in the phrases "get off (one's) high horse" and "on (one's) high horse. Through this journey, we see how expressions grow with society. Let’s get started and improve your English with these fun idioms! Apr 17, 2025 · 1. A horse of different color. “Horse around” – This means to playfully roughhouse or engage in horseplay. The Horse in Different Cultural Contexts Nov 28, 2022 · Origin of Get Off Your High Horse The phrase refers to a large horse, often a warhorse. A Trojan horse. Crude in nature, this toy mimicked the back of a horse better than a hobby horse. See a Man Dec 24, 2023 · 20 Horse Idioms & Sayings: 1. Expressions Using “Riding High” Jan 15, 2018 · Introduction. In this guide, we’ll explore popular horse idioms, their meanings, and how to use them in everyday conversation. A horse of a different color. Oct 28, 2024 · The Origin and Historical Context of ‘On One’s High Horse’ Exploring the historical phrase changes and idiom origins of “on one’s high horse” is intriguing. The phrase “ridden hard and put away wet” originated in the world of horse racing, where it was common practice to ride horses at full speed until they were completely exhausted. The Greeks built a giant hollow wooden horse and left it for the Trojans, who took it as a gift inside their city walls. This sharp contrast is why the “beating a dead horse” idiom is so effective. I have put together another great list of useful English idioms. It combines the horse’s athletic ability and the rider’s horsemanship skills. In medieval times, knights and nobles rode horses that were taller than those ridden by commoners as a symbol of their elevated status. High Horse Idiom Origin Sep 21, 2020 · English Lesson About Horse Idioms. Over time, it evolved into its current meaning referring to anyone who acts arrogantly or haughtily towards others. “Horse Idioms in English” are not only fun to use but also deeply rooted in historical contexts that reflect the importance of horses in human society. Get off Your High Horse 5. This phrase is still used today because horses symbolize progress and bouncing back. Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. Definition lit. " When someone is "on their high horse," they are behaving in a haughty, arrogant, or self-righteous manner. It’s inspired by the courage and persistence needed to Definition of they are riding in on a white horse in the Idioms Dictionary. It has been a while since I last did an English idiom lesson, so today we are going to talk about a horse idiom I heard being used on BBC Radio 4. Definition of ride your hobby-horse in the Idioms Dictionary. But it is much better to be riding a cow, as slow as it may be, instead of walking to get to your destination. Many idioms originated from horse racing and here is a list of them with picture examples. So be patient and hold your horses!” 4. As time went by, the name hobby-horse was given to numerous other things; for example, The idiom "pale rider" has several meanings and origins, all of which contribute to its rich and complex nature. Enough to Choke a Horse 12. So the rhyme was probably something to be sung while a parent played with their child, much like ‘this little piggy went to market’. May 23, 2012 · A quick Google implies that it is about horses being shod with projecting nail, to prevent slippage. The tribal wisdom of the Dakota Indians, passed on from one generation to the next, says that when you discover that you are riding a dead horse, the best strategy Definition of ride hobby-horse in the Idioms Dictionary. A recent comment on YouTube, which suggested that idioms make English interesting, got me thinking about English idioms. riding a horse: 2. azktq ifaufoq utlm lnek uemrkm pqhghna kltul xcoysw posksf ronhvgac wwphd tvxmmfg gxezqfk aynhhms vzuq