STALKING HORSE Meaning and
Definition
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A stalking horse is a term commonly used in business and politics to refer to a strategy or tactic employed to conceal true intentions or test the ground in a transaction or negotiation. Derived from the practice of hunters using a horse to disguise their approach towards prey, the phrase has come to represent a hidden agenda or a decoy. In a business context, a stalking horse is often a company or candidate strategically placed as a front-runner or as an intermediate step towards achieving a desired outcome.
This tactic is commonly used in mergers and acquisitions, where a buyer or seller will float a proposal or identify an interested party to set a benchmark for other potential buyers or sellers. Acting as a stalking horse allows a party to gauge the level of interest, uncover potential challenges, or receive offers from competitors before finalizing a deal. This approach provides an advantage by allowing the party to control and manipulate the negotiating process, preserving confidentiality, and potentially securing a more advantageous position.
The term also has political connotations, where a stalking horse candidate may be temporarily put forward to test public opinion, weaken an opponent, or deflect attention away from the main contender. These individuals often play a prominent role in shaping public discourse and policy discussions, influencing public sentiment, or challenging the incumbent party's position.
Overall, the concept of a stalking horse revolves around deploying a strategic maneuver to gain advantage or insight while concealing true intentions or motives.
Common Misspellings for STALKING HORSE
- stalkong-horse
- staking-horse
- stalkig-horse
- stalkin-horse
- stalkinghorse
- Stokking Horse
- Stackking Horse
Etymology of STALKING HORSE
The term "stalking horse" has its origins in hunting and horseback riding. In medieval times, hunters used a stalking horse as a tool to keep themselves hidden from their prey. A stalking horse was a trained horse that the hunter would ride or position in front of him while approaching the game. The horse would shield the hunter from the animal's line of sight, enabling the hunter to get closer without being noticed.
The term eventually moved from hunting to politics and negotiations. In these contexts, a stalking horse referred to a candidate or proposal that someone used to conceal their real intentions. Setting up a stalking horse allowed individuals to test the waters and gauge support without fully revealing their ambition or ideas. If a stalking horse candidate gained popularity and success, the person behind them might reveal their true intentions or candidacy.
Idioms with the word STALKING HORSE
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a stalking horse
The idiom "a stalking horse" refers to a person, action, or situation used as a cover or disguise for hidden purposes or motives. It originally derived from a hunting practice where a horse was trained to approach a prey quietly, enabling the hunter to get closer for a successful shot without alarming the animal. In a figurative sense, it means using a person or thing as a decoy or diversion to mask one's true intentions or to test the waters before revealing one's true plans.
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stalking horse
A stalking horse is a person or thing that is used to conceal someone's true intentions or motives, especially in a political or business context. It is often used as a decoy or a front to distract attention from the person or group who is actually making plans or carrying out actions.
