a dark horse

Register · Neutral Neutral — appropriate in most situations, both spoken and written, without sounding too casual or too stiff. CEFR C1

Post

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 Informal · CEFR A2

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

give someone a run for their money Neutral · CEFR B1

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

how on earth Informal · CEFR B1

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

ring a bell Informal · CEFR B1

to sound familiar or remind you of something

what on earth Informal · CEFR B1

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

deep pockets Informal · CEFR B2

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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