Horse Idioms

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straw that broke the camel’s back

Meaning: The final small problem or event that makes a situation unbearable.

Example: After endless delays and mistakes, the missed payment was the straw that broke the camel's back, and the workers went on strike. Read more ➺


horses for courses

Meaning: Different people are suited to different tasks.

Example: The manager said horses for courses when assigning tasks to team members based on their strengths. Read more ➺


a fair crack of the whip

Meaning: An equal chance or opportunity to succeed or participate.

Example: Everyone on the team deserves a fair crack of the whip when applying for leadership roles. Read more ➺


rein in

Meaning: To control, limit, or direct something from going too far.

Example: The government needs to rein in the rising cost of living. Read more ➺


stalking horse

Meaning: A decoy or cover used to hide someone's true purpose or plan.

Example: The proposed reform was just a stalking horse for deeper policy changes. Read more ➺


in the saddle

Meaning: Being in control or in a position of authority.

Example: With the new manager in the saddle, the project finally moved forward. Read more ➺


Big Apple

Meaning: New York City: Informally, "Big Apple" refers to New York City.

Example: After graduating, she moved to the Big Apple to pursue her acting career. Read more ➺


long in the tooth

Meaning: aging; elderly.

Example: He's getting a bit long in the tooth to be playing professional football. Read more ➺


all hat and no cattle

Meaning: Someone who talks big but doesn't follow through with action.

Example: Despite his speeches, the politician was all hat and no cattle. Read more ➺


beat a dead horse

Meaning: spend time and effort on things that are hopeless and unchangeable.

Example: Tom still has hope that his wife will come back to him, but he is actually beating a dead horse. Read more ➺


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