A
n idiom is a grouping of words that represent a different connotation from the actual meanings of the individual words themselves. When looking at the words of an idiom alone, difficultly in understanding the meaning of the phrase is probable. But the combination of these words, creates a phrase which is not taken literally but refers instead to a figurative meaning that is known only through common use. An idiom can have a literal meaning in one situation and a different idiomatic meaning in another situation.
The word idiom is derived from its root, the Greek idiousthai meaning, “to make one’s own”. Any individual using their imagination can create an idiom and usually these creations (phrases) do not always follow the normal rules of meaning and grammar. This group of words attracts attention and develops its own meaning as a whole – an idiom is born. Idioms are a collection of words commonly used in a group. They become fossilized – fixed over time. Popular sayings are often idioms. Recognized and used so commonly by an extensive number of people, the vast collections of idioms add color and curiosity to a language.
As it is said, some legendary greats like, John Heywood and William Shakespeare contributed many phrases and sayings to the English language. Captivating a wide and continuing audience through introductions in their writings, these idioms fueled their entry into popularity and eternity. Many idioms have been passed down probably since the beginning of man’s existence and every culture has its unique mixture. No one really knows the true origin of many idioms since countless expressions are constantly acquired and dropped over time, making most origins impossible to trace – the source is usually lost over time.
Some common horse idioms have been rounded-up and lined up below. Realizing the frequent utterances of idioms, we can understand their significance in our culture.
HORSE IDIOMS
A
- a head start – begin early / to start with an advantage*
- against time or against the clock – in a hurry to meet a deadline*
- a run for one’s money – to do the best one can in a competitive situation*
- a running start- a good start on something*
B
- back the wrong horse – support for anything that does not succeed*
- beat a dead horse – to continue to force /argue a situation that has been settled
- bet on the wrong horse – misread the future / not choosing the winning person or solution*
- blow it out your nose – disagreeing with someone’s statement
- born in a barn – leaving things in disarray
- by shank’s mare – by foot
C
- change horse in midstream – make new plans or choose a new leader in an activity that has already begun
- charley horse – leg cramp or stiffness
- chomping at the bit – ready and anxious to do something
- could eat a horse – very hungry
D
- dark horse – someone or something emerging to prominence, being previously unknown*
- dog and pony show – something that you disapprove of because you think that it has only been organized to impress you
- don’t lock the barn door after the horse is out – to try and deal with something after it is too late
- don’t look a gift horse in the mouth – complain when given something / critical
- down to the wire – the last few minutes before something must be completed*
E
- eat like a horse – to eat a lot
F
- from scratch – from the beginning*
G
- get off your high horse – begin to be humble and agreeable
- grass is always greener on the other side – it appears to be better elsewhere
H
- healthy as a horse – very healthy
- hit one’s stride or reach one’s stride – to do one’s best*
- hold your horses – be patient / wait
- hoof it – to walk or run
- horse and buggy times – long ago
- horse feathers – hot air
- horse for courses – what is suitable for one person or situation might be unsuitable for another
- horse’n around – to play around in a rough, loud way
- horse of a different color – something totally separate and different
- horse of many colors – many attributes
- horseplay – rough, loud play
- horse sense – common sense / practical thinking
- horse trade – to bargain in a hard and skillful way
I
- inside track – information or position which will make it easier to win*
- in the stretch, down the stretch or in the homestretch – the final stages of an event*
J
- jump the gun – begin too soon*
L
- long in the tooth – old
N
- neck and neck – even*
- nod is as good as a wink to a blind horse - your hint, allusion or other indirect comment about something is understood, you needn't say anything more
O
- on the hoof – respond as it happens / done without planning
- one horse race – no other possible winners*
- one horse town – very small place
- one trick pony – does one thing well, but limited skills in other areas
- out to pasture – to retire someone or something
P
- put it through its paces – move in a particular way*
- put the cart before the horse – to do things in the wrong order
R
- ride herd – to watch closely and strictly supervise someone
- riding for a fall – to risk an accident or failure
- runner up – to be second in competition*
S
- scratch it – to eliminate or stop a project*
- stalking horse – is a strategy or something used to conceal your intentions
- straight from the horse’s mouth – directly from the person who said something / directly from a dependable source
- strong as a horse – very strong
U
- under the wire – just barely in or on time*
W
- what horse did you ride in on - objecting to the suggestions of a statement made
- white horse – good / gallant person who appears and resolves a situation favorably
- who opened the barn door – something is continually flowing
- why the long face –facial expression showing sadness or disappointment about something / pout
- wild horses couldn’t drag me away – nothing can force someone or something to go somewhere or do something
- win by a nose – to win just a bit better than the runner up*
- work like a horse – to work very hard
- won hands down – no question about the outcome*
Y
- you can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make him drink it – given an opportunity, you can not force them to do it
- you sound like a bunch of wild horses – loud, noisy
- your barn door is open – zipper is down
* idioms said to have origins in the horse racing industry
Go Green Tips:
- Keep the Flow Low - have nozzles on all your hoses allowing spray adjustments. The nozzles should include a trigger for shutting off the water when not in use.
