PhrasesHub

Pony and trap

    Definitions

      • discourage someone
        Advise against engaging in a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit

      • deception
        Describe a situation or person that is not what it seems, often used to convey the idea of being fooled or tricked

    Examples of Pony and trap

    • The old couple took a leisurely ride through the countryside on their pony and trap.

      This is a literal usage of the idiom, where "pony and trap" refers to a horse-drawn carriage commonly used in rural areas. In this example, the idiom is used to describe the mode of transportation the old couple chose.

    • Life has become a pony and trap for me lately.

      In this figurative usage, "pony and trap" represent the slow and laborious nature of the person's current circumstances. It suggests that the person's life has become simplified, perhaps due to circumstances beyond their control, and they are being pulled into a slower, more deliberate pace.

    • She spent hours walking her pony and trap through the park.

      This is a hyperbolic usage of the idiom, where "pony and trap" are being used metaphorically to describe something that is overly time-consuming or laborious. In this case, the woman's stroll through the park is being exaggerated to illustrate the tedium or tediousness of the activity.

    • The town was overrun with ponies and traps during the summer festival.

      This is a descriptive use of the idiom, where "ponies and traps" reference the numerous horse-drawn carriages that became common during the summer festival. This use of the idiom highlights the abundance of a particular object or situation during a specific period.

    • The old couple took a leisurely stroll through the countryside, with the sound of horseshoes ringing through the air. They rode in a charming, horse-drawn carriage, known as a pony and trap.

      Pony and trap is a traditional British idiom used to describe a simple, horse-drawn carriage that's often pulled by a pony. The term "pony" refers to a small horse, typically used to pull a carriage, while a "trap" is the name of the carriage itself. This idiom is often used in writing or conversation to conjure up images of a peaceful, rural setting.

    • Despite the sun beating down relentlessly, the farmer chose to make his rounds on horseback, jangling the reins of his trusty pony and trap.

      In this example, "horseback" is the verb phrase chosen by the farmer instead of a car or truck to make his rounds. The idiom "pony and trap" is used here to recognize the traditional, old-fashioned method of transportation that the farmer prefers.

    • The mother and daughter set off on a scenic pony and trap ride through rolling green hills, feeling the gentle sway of the carriage as it ambled leisurely along the path.

      In this example, the idiom "pony and trap" is used again to describe the picturesque mode of transportation chosen by the mother and daughter for their leisurely ride through the countryside.

    • As the sun began to sink below the horizon, the couple returned to their cozy cottage, the pony and trap clattering along the narrow road.

      In this example, the idiom "pony and trap" is used once more to describe the method of transportation used by the couple as they departed from their destination. It's noted that the "clattering" sound of the pony and trap's wheels added to the peaceful, romantic setting of their evening.In summary, the idiom "pony and trap" is commonly used to describe a traditional horse-drawn carriage that's often pulled by a small horse. It's commonly associated with peaceful, rural settings and is used in a variety of writing and conversation styles to evoke a charming, old-fashioned image. The term "pony" refers to a small horse, while "trap" denotes the carriage itself.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "pony and trap" can be used to discourage someone from a particular activity or task, cautioning that it will not result in any positive outcome or benefit. It can also be used to describe a situation or person that is not what it seems, often conveying the idea of being fooled or tricked.

    Origin of "Pony and trap"

    The origin of the idiom "pony and trap" dates back to the early 19th century in England. It refers to a small horse-drawn carriage, often used for leisurely rides or as a mode of transportation for short distances. The idiom likely gained its figurative meanings due to the association of the pony and trap with deceptive or misleading appearances. The small size of the carriage may have led to the idea of being tricked or fooled, as something small and seemingly harmless can actually be deceptive. Over time, the idiom has evolved to encompass the discouragement of engaging in unproductive activities or cautioning against being misled. Its origins in English culture have made it a well-known and widely used expression.