hold one's horses

Meaning: To stay calm or be patient when someone wants to hurry.

Example: “Hold your horses; the tickets don't go on sale until noon.”

Equivalents in other languages

French: Il n'y a pas le feu au lac Literally: The lake isn't on fire

Origin: A driver or rider must rein in horses to stop them from bolting forward. The phrase is American from the 19th century, and was soon used to tell impatient people to wait.

More English idioms

if push comes to shove If the situation becomes serious.
in a bind In a difficult situation or position.
in a nutshell Concisely; in a few words.
in a pinch In an emergency; if necessary.
in a rut In a boring routine.
in Dutch with someone In trouble.

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Equivalents in other languages

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