STALKING HORSES Meaning and
Definition
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Stalking horses are metaphorical entities that refer to various strategies or individuals employed as a front or cover to mask the true intentions or agendas of another person or group. Derived from the practice of using a horse to conceal a hunter during a hunt, the term has evolved to encompass a range of scenarios.
In politics or negotiations, a stalking horse is a candidate or proposal put forward to gauge the strength or weaknesses of opponents. It serves as a preliminary contender, diverting attention from the primary candidate until the opportune moment to reveal their true candidacy. This stratagem allows the hidden candidate to determine the level of support they can garner before officially entering the race.
Similarly, in business or legal contexts, a stalking horse is a party that submits a bid or proposal on behalf of another entity or acts as a proxy to greenlight an action. By creating the illusion of competition, the true intentions of the primary party are kept concealed until the opportune moment. This approach safeguards against potential adverse reactions and enables the primary entity to assess the market or situation without revealing their true intentions prematurely.
Overall, stalking horses are tactics or individuals used to create a false front, conceal true motives, or gain a strategic advantage. They help to prevent premature disclosure and assess opposition or market conditions discreetly.
Common Misspellings for STALKING HORSES
- stalkinghorses
- atalking horses
- ztalking horses
- xtalking horses
- dtalking horses
- etalking horses
- wtalking horses
- sralking horses
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- syalking horses
- s6alking horses
- s5alking horses
- stzlking horses
- stslking horses
- stwlking horses
- stqlking horses
- stakking horses
- stapking horses
- staoking horses
Etymology of STALKING HORSES
The term "stalking horse" originated in the world of hunting and has been adapted into a metaphorical sense in the English language.
In hunting, a "stalking horse" referred to a trained horse or a specially trained animal that hunters would use as a cover while approaching their prey. The horse would shield the hunter, making it possible to get closer to the target without being detected. The horse, or "stalking horse", acted as a decoy to distract and conceal the hunter's true intentions.
Over time, the metaphorical use of "stalking horse" developed in various contexts. In politics, for instance, the term refers to a candidate who enters an election, aware they have little chance of winning, but aims to gauge the strength of the other candidates. They serve as a front-runner, potentially splitting votes or diverting attention from the real contenders.
The origin of the term itself can be traced back to ancient times.
