English idiom

a dark horse

Register · Neutral CEFR C1

Post

Figurative meaning

A person who surprises everyone by showing unexpected talent or success.

Why this phrase?

From racing, an unknown horse whose form was kept in the dark.

Example

“Quiet at work, she turned out to be the dark horse who won the marathon.”

Dictionary details

Tags

Expressions connected by reviewed component words or topic tags.

hang on a minute

used to ask someone to wait, or to express surprise or objection

give someone a run for their money

to compete nearly as well as a much stronger opponent, forcing them to work hard for victory

how on earth

an emphatic way of asking 'how', expressing surprise or disbelief

ring a bell

to sound familiar or remind you of something

what on earth

an emphatic way of asking 'what', expressing surprise or confusion

deep pockets

having a great deal of money to spend

Source methodology

Meanings, register, CEFR, and examples come from the reviewed dictionary record. Expression notes may describe a reviewed present-day word picture or a background note; they are not presented as verified etymology.

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