HOLD HORSES Meaning and
Definition
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"Hold horses" is an idiomatic expression that originated from equestrian culture. The phrase is used colloquially to advise someone to be patient or wait before taking action or making a decision. It encourages individuals to exhibit self-restraint and refrain from rushing into a situation impulsively.
The term draws its metaphorical meaning from the world of horsemanship. In horseback riding, riders are often required to "hold" or restrain their horses from moving forward. This concept is transferred to human behavior, where someone is advised to "hold horses" as a metaphorical representation of controlling their impulse to act.
When telling someone to "hold horses," it implies a need for caution and to carefully consider the circumstances before proceeding. It suggests the importance of maintaining composure and exercising prudence rather than making hasty decisions that may yield undesired consequences. This phrase is commonly used when one perceives impatience or impulsiveness in someone's behavior and aims to temper their enthusiasm or eagerness.
Overall, the phrase "hold horses" acts as a reminder to individuals to exercise patience, restraint, and thoughtful contemplation before taking action. It emphasizes the significance of rational thinking and careful consideration in order to make informed choices, rather than succumbing to impulsive behavior.
Common Misspellings for HOLD HORSES
- gold horses
- bold horses
- nold horses
- jold horses
- uold horses
- yold horses
- hild horses
- hkld horses
- hlld horses
- hpld horses
- h0ld horses
- h9ld horses
- hokd horses
- hopd horses
- hood horses
- hols horses
- holx horses
- holc horses
- holf horses
- holr horses
Etymology of HOLD HORSES
The phrase "hold your horses" is a commonly used expression meaning to wait or be patient. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the horse-drawn carriage days when horses were a primary mode of transportation.
In the past, controlling horses required riders or drivers to hold the reins tightly to prevent them from running ahead at full speed. When a horse was anxious or eager to move, it would often start pulling and tugging on the reins, showing signs of impatience. To keep the horses under control and prevent them from speeding off, the driver would say "hold your horses" or "hold onto your horses" as a command to hold back and wait.
Over time, this phrase gained figurative meaning and became a way to ask people to be patient or to slow down. So, the etymology of "hold your horses" comes from the literal practice of holding back horses to control their movement.
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