Dark horse

Meaning

The idiom "dark horse" refers to an unexpected or previously unknown candidate, team, or event that emerges as a contender in a competition or situation. It can also refer to someone who is secretly talented or skilled, but has not yet been recognized or appreciated for their abilities. The phrase comes from the tradition of horse racing, where horses that are considered underdogs or unknown quantities are often referred to as "dark horses."

Usage

• "The new CEO was a dark horse - no one expected her to be such a strong leader."
• "After being overlooked for years, the young musician finally got his big break with a surprise performance at a major festival."
• "In the upcoming tennis tournament, there are several dark horses who could upset the favored players."
• "The company's sales have been declining for months, but suddenly they experienced a surge in profits with a new product launch."
• "The political landscape is full of unexpected twists and turns, with many dark horse candidates emerging on the scene."

Roots and History

The idiom "dark horse" originated from the practice of horse racing, where horses that were considered underdogs or unknown quantities were often referred to as "dark horses." This was because these horses were difficult to predict or bet on, as they had not yet been proven in competition. The phrase has since extended beyond horse racing and is now used more broadly to refer to unexpected or previously unknown candidates, teams, or events in a variety of situations.

Synonyms in English

• Underdog
• Long shot
• Dark horse candidate
• Hidden gem
• Overlooked talent

Synonyms in other languages

• 狡狐 (wolf) - Japanese
• 虎豬 (tiger) - Chinese
• 사망자 (death) - Korean
• 비행이 (flight) - Turkish
• 마침이 (suddenly) - Arabic

Similar Idioms

• come of age

• down and out

• alive and kicking