PhrasesHub

Shanks' mare

    Definitions

      • walking
        To refer to the act of walking, especially when one does not have access to other modes of transportation.

      • lack of transportation
        To convey the idea of having to walk due to the absence of other means of getting around.

    Examples of Shanks' mare

    • I tried to call a taxi to come home tonight, but they were all busy. Looks like I'll have to walk, which is just shanks' mare anyway.

      In this example, "shanks' mare" is being used as a colloquial expression to describe walking as a means of transportation when other options, such as a taxi, are not available. It originated from the name of a British surgeon named Thomas Shanks, who was known for walking rather than wearing horseshoes (which he viewed as unnecessary). Since "shanks" in this context refers to a person's legs, "shanks' mare" essentially means "a horse made of your own legs."

    • My car broke down again, and now I'm stranded here with no ride. I guess I'll have to hoof it back home, which is like carrying coals to Newcastle compared to what I'd rather be doing.

      This example is using the variation "shanks' pony" in a similar way as "shanks' mare". "Hooft it" is a variation of "walk it", and "carrying coals to Newcastle" adds an element of irony, highlighting the fact that walking home while carrying nothing is more difficult than carrying coal to a place where coal is already readily available.

    • I used to hate walking to the gym, but once I started, it became a habit. Now it's just as easy to shank's pony there as it is to drive, and besides, the fresh air and exercise do me good.

      Here, "shanks' pony" is being used to describe walking as a natural and effortless choice over driving. The speaker has come to realize the benefits of walking to the gym and has integrated it into their routine. This example reinforces the idea that "shanks' mare/shanks' pony" is often used as a way of acknowledging the challenges and difficulties of walking, and it can serve as a motivator to make a change.

    • I've got an appointment at the other end of town, but I don't want to spend a fortune on a cab. I think I'll just have to trot there on shanks' pony and hope I'm not too late.

      This example involves the use of "shanks' pony" to describe walking as an economical and affordable alternative to taking a taxi. "Trotting" is a variation of "walking", adding a playful touch to the sentence. The use of the expression "hope I'm not too late" highlights the fact that walking may take longer than other modes of transportation, but it doesn't have to be considered a negative byproduct.

    • When Sarah missed the last bus home, she had to walk all the way back to her house, which was more than 5 miles away. She groaned, "Well, looks like I'm on shanks' mare tonight."

      Sarah used the idiom "shanks' mare" to describe her situation of having to walk home because she missed the bus. The idiom "shanks' mare" is used to denote walking as a means of transportation when a preferred mode of travel, such as a car or a bus, is not available. It typically implies inconvenience or discomfort.

    • John's car broke down in the middle of nowhere, leaving him stranded on the side of the road. After waiting for hours for a tow truck, he cursed, "I guess I'm on shanks' pony now."

      John used the alternate version of the idiom, "shanks' pony," to express his predicament. The two terms are interchangeable, but "shanks' mare" is more commonly used. The term "shanks'" refers to the Elizabethan-era shoemaker, Thomas Shankes, whose name became associated with the term "shank" (meaning lower leg) due to the shank bones' resemblance to the shape of his lasts (shoe forms). The term "shanks' mare" (or "shanks' pony") is a metaphorical way of describing walking as a way of traveling when all other modes of transportation are unavailable.

    • The school principal announced that the budget cuts would result in a reduction of funds for school transportation, forcing some students to walk to school. She explained, "Unfortunately, we're all going to have to rely on shanks' mare a bit more these days."

      The school principal used the idiom "shanks' mare" to explain the new reality to parents and students. It is a colorful way of expressing the fact that people will have to rely on their own two feet to get from point A to point B due to the lack of alternative modes of transportation. This could be seen as a disadvantage or as an opportunity for some to increase their daily step count!

    • After getting lost in the city, Jane stumbled upon a historical plaque marking the location of the nearby ancient Roman road. She exclaimed, "Well, I guess this is as good a shanks' mare route as any!"

      Jane used the idiom "shanks' mare" to describe the state of affairs, essentially asserting that walking along the ancient Roman road is a good way to travel due to the historic nature of the route. The idiom "shanks' mare" implies that walking might not be a person's preferred mode of transportation, but it can serve as a viable option when the preferred means of travel is not feasible. In Jane's case, she was stuck with her own two feet, but by reframing it as a "shanks' mare" route, it added a certain literary flair to her predicament.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Shanks' mare/shanks' pony" is used to refer to the act of walking, particularly when one does not have access to other modes of transportation. It is also used to convey the idea of having to walk due to the absence of other means of getting around.

    This idiom is commonly used in informal settings and is often employed when discussing the act of walking as a primary mode of transportation. It can also be used humorously to emphasize the lack of access to other transportation options.

    Origin of "Shanks' mare"

    The phrase "Shanks' mare" or "Shanks' pony" originated in Scotland and England in the 19th century. "Shanks" refers to the lower part of the leg, specifically the shank bone, and "mare" or "pony" is used metaphorically to represent one's own legs as a means of transportation. The idiom likely originated at a time when walking was the primary mode of transportation for many people, and it has since been passed down through generations as a way to humorously or colloquially refer to the act of walking.

    The idiom has stood the test of time and is still commonly used today, particularly in English-speaking countries. It continues to serve as a lighthearted and relatable way to talk about the simple act of walking.