pipped at the post
Meaning: To be beaten at the very last moment.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Example: “Our firm was pipped at the post for the contract by a company from Leeds.”
Category: Animals
Origin: British horse-racing language: "pip" meant to beat narrowly, and the post marks the finish line. The phrase is found from the early 20th century.
Equivalents in other languages
- French: Être coiffé au poteau — literally: To be capped at the post
More idioms — Animals
- a nest of vipers — A group of people who scheme against or betray each other.
- once bitten, twice shy — After a bad experience, one is much more cautious.
- give someone a leg up — To help someone make progress or get started.
- earn one's spurs — To prove one's ability and gain recognition.
- have the inside track — To have an advantage over others.
- a horn of plenty — An abundant source of something.
More English idioms
- twiddle one's thumbs — To do nothing while waiting or out of boredom.
- I could eat a horse — I am extremely hungry.
- there's many a slip 'twixt the cup and the lip — Many things can go wrong before a plan succeeds.
- born with a silver spoon in one's mouth — Born into a wealthy, privileged family.
- penny wise and pound foolish — Careful with small amounts of money but wasteful with large ones.
- meet someone halfway — To make a compromise with someone.
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