HIGH HORSE Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "high horse" refers to a metaphorical stance of moral superiority, arrogance, or self-righteousness adopted by a person during discussions, debates, or interactions with others. Derived from the image of a person figuratively riding a tall and lofty horse, it emphasizes a position of elevated status or superiority over others. When someone is said to be on their "high horse," it implies that they exhibit a condescending attitude, looking down upon and belittling others.
This expression often suggests that the person in question perceives themselves to be morally, intellectually, or socially superior to those around them. They may use this haughty demeanor to chastise or criticize others, claiming a superior understanding or judgment on a particular matter. It can also reflect a self-righteous attitude, where individuals believe their opinions or beliefs are unquestionably correct, leading them to judge or look down upon differing perspectives.
The term "high horse" is commonly used in a critical context to highlight arrogance, hypocrisy, or pretentiousness. It is often employed to challenge someone's inflated sense of importance or to encourage them to adopt a more humble and empathetic approach. By invoking this metaphorical image, it serves as a reminder to individuals to avoid assuming an air of superiority and to engage in conversations with empathy, respect, and open-mindedness.
Common Misspellings for HIGH HORSE
- gigh horse
- bigh horse
- nigh horse
- jigh horse
- uigh horse
- yigh horse
- hugh horse
- hjgh horse
- hkgh horse
- hogh horse
- h9gh horse
- h8gh horse
- hifh horse
- hivh horse
- hibh horse
- hihh horse
- hiyh horse
- hith horse
- higg horse
Etymology of HIGH HORSE
The etymology of the phrase "high horse" can be traced back to Middle English, specifically to the 14th century. In those times, the phrase was "on one's high horse" or "on one's great horse", which indicated someone riding a large and impressive horse, symbolizing authority, power, and superiority.
The term "high horse" itself refers to a person who acts arrogantly, condescendingly, or self-righteously, as if they were riding an elevated and mighty horse. It suggests someone who looks down upon others and believes themselves to be superior. Over time, the phrase has become a metaphor for someone who exhibits haughty behavior or expresses their opinions in a domineering manner.
Idioms with the word HIGH HORSE
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come/get (down) off your high horse
The idiom "come/get (down) off your high horse" means to stop behaving arrogantly or condescendingly and to adopt a more humble and down-to-earth attitude. It suggests that the person should abandon their haughty demeanor and interact with others on an equal level.
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on high horse
The idiom "on a high horse" refers to someone who is acting with an attitude of superiority, arrogance, or haughtiness. It describes a person who is behaving in a condescending or self-righteous manner, often looking down upon others and asserting their superiority.
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be/get on your high horse
The phrase "be/get on your high horse" means to act in a self-righteous or arrogant manner. It refers to someone adopting an attitude of superiority or moral superiority, often resulting in condescension or haughtiness towards others.
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on (one's) high horse
The idiom "on (one's) high horse" means that someone is acting in a superior or arrogant manner, often being judgmental or critical of others. It is typically used to describe someone who believes they are better or more important than others, and displays a sense of entitlement or self-righteousness.
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on one’s high horse
The idiom "on one's high horse" typically means that someone is acting haughty, arrogant, or self-righteous. It refers to a person who behaves as if they are superior to others and asserts their opinions or authority in a condescending manner.
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on your high horse
The idiom "on your high horse" means to be arrogant, haughty, or self-righteous; to act superior or condescending towards others. It implies that someone is behaving in a pompous or prideful manner, looking down on others or speaking down to them.
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get off high horse
The idiom "get off your high horse" means to stop behaving in a proud and arrogant manner, and to become more down-to-earth, humble, or reasonable. It suggests that someone should abandon their superior attitude or condescending behavior and adopt a more empathetic and approachable stance.
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get on (one's) high horse
The idiom "get on (one's) high horse" means to behave arrogantly, self-righteously, or condescendingly. It implies someone becoming superior or adopting an overly pompous and judgmental attitude.
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climb on high horse
To "climb on a high horse" means to adopt a superior or haughty attitude, usually while criticizing or lecturing others. It refers to someone acting arrogant, self-righteous, or condescendingly.
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get on high horse
The idiom "get on a high horse" means that someone is acting in a self-righteous or haughty manner, usually expressing an exaggerated sense of superiority or moral superiority over others. It implies that the person feels superior and behaves with condescension or arrogance.
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get off (one's) high horse
The idiom "get off (one's) high horse" means to stop acting superior, arrogant, or condescending towards others. It suggests that the person should abandon their haughty attitude and adopt a more humble and down-to-earth approach.
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climb on (one's) high horse
The idiom "climb on (one's) high horse" means to behave in a haughty, arrogant, or self-righteous manner. It refers to someone adopting an overly superior or pompous attitude, often to express indignation or to lecture others about what they believe is right or proper. It suggests that the person is acting as if they are morally or intellectually superior to others.
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get on your high horse
The idiom "get on your high horse" refers to someone behaving in a haughty or arrogant manner, often showing excessive self-importance or an inflated sense of superiority. It implies that the person is acting condescendingly or taking a morally superior stance in a situation.
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be on (one's) high horse
The idiom "be on (one's) high horse" means to act in a superior, arrogant, or haughty manner; to behave as if one is better or more important than others. It suggests someone assuming an air of self-importance or displaying a condescending attitude towards others.
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climb/get on your high horse
The idiom "climb/get on your high horse" means acting in a superior or arrogant manner, often with a condescending attitude towards others. It refers to someone behaving as if they are morally or intellectually superior to those around them, often speaking or acting in a haughty manner.
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high horse
Being arrogant, disdainful, or self-righteous.
Similar spelling words for HIGH HORSE
- higher status,
- high-rise,
- here's how!,
- horse-drawn hoe,
- high-risk,
- horse hay.