PhrasesHub

Dark horse

    Definitions

      • unknown or unexpected winner
        To describe a person or thing that is unexpectedly successful or achieves victory despite not being well-known or considered a favorite

      • mysterious or secretive person
        To refer to someone who is not well-known or who keeps their thoughts, actions, or intentions hidden from others

      • something unknown or unpredictable
        To describe a situation, event, or outcome that is unclear or uncertain and cannot be predicted with confidence

    Examples of Dark horse

    • In the upcoming elections, Sarah is being called a dark horse candidate. She may not have a lot of name recognition, but her platform and experience make her a serious contender.

      The idiom "dark horse" refers to a candidate or person who is not well-known or expected to win, but has a strong chance of success. It comes from horse racing, where a dark horse is a horse that is not favored to win but surprises everyone by coming in first. In this example, Sarah is being compared to a dark horse in the political arena, as she may not have a lot of name recognition, but has a strong chance of winning due to her qualifications and platform.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "dark horse" is used to describe a person, thing, or situation that is not well-known, uncertain, or unexpected. It can be used to refer to someone who achieves success or victory despite not being well-known or considered a favorite, or to describe a person who is mysterious or secretive. It can also be used to refer to something that is unknown or unpredictable.

    Origin of "Dark horse"

    The origin of the idiom "dark horse" is unclear, but there are a few theories. One theory suggests that it comes from horse racing, where dark-colored horses were considered less likely to win compared to lighter-colored horses. Therefore, a dark horse winning a race would be unexpected and surprising. Another theory suggests that it comes from card games, where a dark horse referred to a player who was unknown or not well-known to the other players.

    Regardless of its origin, the idiom has been in use since the 19th century and has become a commonly used phrase in everyday language. It is often used in sports, politics, and other competitive situations to describe an underdog or an unexpected winner. It can also be used in more general contexts, such as describing a person who is mysterious or unpredictable. Overall, the idiom "dark horse" has a versatile usage and adds color and intrigue to the English language.