Everyday Expressions with Horse Racing Roots

Did you know that many horse racing terms are commonly used in everyday speech and pop culture to describe competition and outcomes?! You might have been speaking the language of horse racing without even realizing it!

Here are 11 racing terms that you’ve probably heard used in daily conversations:

Across the Board

Racing definition origin: Refers to a bettor placing three separate wagers on the same horse: to win (1st place), place (1st or 2nd place), and show (1st, 2nd, or 3rd place).
Common usage example: "The company announced a pay raise across the board."
Meaning: The company gave everyone a pay raise.

Dark Horse

Racing definition origin: A horse with long-shot odds (e.g., 50-1) that the betting public predicts has a lesser chance of winning, but surprises everyone with a victory.
Common usage example: "That indie film was the dark horse at the awards."
Meaning: It was a long shot to win but ended up taking the prize.

Down to the Wire

Racing definition origin: Two horses running evenly matched down the final stretch, with the winner decided right at the wire.
Common usage example: "The negotiations went down to the wire before they reached an agreement."
Meaning: The decision was made at the last possible moment.

Frontrunner

Racing definition origin: A horse that takes the lead early in a race.
Common usage example: "She’s the frontrunner for the promotion."
Meaning: She’s the leading candidate for the position.

Get Your Goat

Racing definition origin: Racehorses were sometimes kept calm by having a goat as a companion animal in their stall. The phrase originated from rivals stealing the goat to upset the horse and impact its performance.
Common usage example: “Don’t let that guy at work get your goat before your big pitch.”
Meaning: Don’t let someone irritate you or throw you off your game.

Hold Your Horses

Racing definition origin: A jockey holds their horse in check in the early stages of a race to conserve energy for the finish.
Common usage example: "Hold your horses, I’m not ready to leave yet!"
Meaning: Asking someone to slow down or be patient.

In the Running

Racing definition origin: A horse that is still in contention to win and has a realistic shot at success.
Common usage example: "She’s still in the running for the scholarship."
Meaning: She still has a chance to be selected.

Long Shot

Racing definition origin: A horse with high odds (e.g., 50-1) that is considered unlikely to win.
Common usage example: "It’s a long shot, but we might win the contract if we submit the proposal."
Meaning: There’s a small chance of success.

Neck and Neck

Racing definition origin: A thrilling race in which the top two horses are running evenly matched down the stretch toward the finish line.
Common usage example: "The two candidates are running neck and neck in the polls." Meaning: They are closely matched in performance or support.

Off to a Flying Start

Racing definition origin: A fast, clean, and well-timed start out of the gate, where a horse quickly gains an early advantage.
Common usage example: "The new product launch is off to a flying start."
Meaning: The launch began very successfully.

Pace Yourself

Racing definition origin: Instruction to a jockey to conserve energy by pacing the horse carefully during a longer race.
Common usage example: "You should pace yourself during the marathon so you don’t tire out too quickly."
Meaning: Maintain a steady effort to avoid burnout.