IdiomAnimals
English
Englishdark horse
Meaning: A competitor who is little-known by most people but who is expected to win by someone more knowledgeable.
Example: “Nobody expected the quiet newcomer to win; she was the dark horse of the competition.”
Equivalents in other languages
Chinese: 卧虎藏龙 (Wò hǔ cáng lóng) Literally: Crouching tiger hidden dragon
Origin: From horse racing, where a "dark" horse was one whose form nobody knew. Benjamin Disraeli's novel The Young Duke (1831) describes a race won by "a dark horse which had never been thought of." In American politics it soon meant a surprise candidate; James K. Polk, nominated for president in 1844, is often called the first.
More English idioms
- fly-by-night Undependable; untrustworthy.
- fly in the face of something To go against something; to show disrespect for something or someone.
- fly in the ointment An unpleasant element in an otherwise pleasant situation.
- fly off the handle To suddenly become very angry.
- fly the coop To escape.
- get off one's high horse To stop acting superior.
Explore another collection: Compliments & Insults
Compliments and insults from around the world, from the sweet to the savage.
- És uma joia You're a gem — a precious, lovely person.
- Sei un salame You're a clumsy, dopey softie — said with a smile.
- Eres más corto que las mangas de un chaleco You're not the sharpest — a bit slow on the uptake.
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