idioms involving “horse”

Back the wrong horse

To support the loser in an election or contest

“The energetic campaign workers were saddened to learn that they had backed the wrong horse in the presidential election.”

From the horse's mouth

To learned something directly from the person involved

“Abe-san said Suzuki-san is leaving the company. I believe him because he heard it from the horse's mouth.”

Note: In this example, Abe-san heard directly from Suzuki-san that she was leaving.

A Trojan horse

A policy or activity that seems harmless in the beginning, but is actually dangerous

“The new tax law is a Trojan horse; taxes will decrease for the next two years but they will double in five years.”

Note: In an ancient Greek story, the Greeks gave a large hollow horse to the Trojans as a gift. Greek soldiers that were hiding inside the horse were able to destroy the city of Troy.

You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink

You can offer someone an opportunity to do something, but you can't make him or her do it.

“Our company offers 12 evening courses in computer and business skills but no one has signed up; you can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.”

Horse around

To goof off, to play

“The sales director told the sales team to stop horsing around and book some actual sales before the second quarter ended.”