The phrase "could eat a horse" may seem like it's spelled phonetically, but there's actually a letter "o" in the word "could" that's pronounced like an "u" in "put." The IPA transcription is /kʊd iːt ə hɔrs/, with the emphasis on the "i" in "eat." It's a colloquial expression that means feeling really hungry and willing to eat an enormous amount of food, even if it's as large as a horse. Perhaps it's a testament to the American appetite!
"Could eat a horse" is an idiomatic phrase commonly used in informal speech to express an exaggerated feeling of hunger. This expression conveys an intense appetite or a voracious desire to eat a large quantity of food. It suggests that the person in question is so famished that they could consume a substantial meal, even if it were to consist of a whole horse, implying an enormous appetite beyond the ordinary.
The phrase's usage extends beyond its literal meaning, and it is mainly figurative to emphasize extreme hunger. It may be employed in various contexts, such as when someone has skipped multiple meals, has faced strenuous physical exertion, or is simply in desperate need of sustenance. Saying "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!" serves as a vivid metaphor to convey the magnitude of one's hunger with an element of humor and exaggeration.
Furthermore, "could eat a horse" is often used metaphorically to express a strong desire or longing for something other than food. In these cases, it implies an intense craving or yearning that cannot be easily satisfied. This extended usage highlights the hyperbolic nature of the phrase, emphasizing the great extent of one's hunger or desire.