Pronunciation: [swˈɒps hˈɔːsɪz] (IPA) 
The phrase "swaps horses" can be spelled as /swɒps ˈhɔːsɪz/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The "s" in "swaps" is pronounced as a voiceless alveolar fricative sound /s/, while the "a" is pronounced as a short "o" sound /ɒ/. The "h" in "horses" is silent, and the "o" is pronounced as a longer "o" sound /ɔː/. The "r" is pronounced with a slight vocalic sound /ɹ/. The phrase means to exchange or trade one horse for another.
The phrase "swaps horses" refers to the act of exchanging one thing or situation for another. It is often used metaphorically to describe a change or switch in a particular context.
In a literal sense, "swaps horses" would imply trading one horse for another. This could be done for a variety of reasons, such as acquiring a horse with better attributes, finding a horse that suits a specific purpose better, or simply wanting a change. The term may also be associated with horse racing, where jockeys occasionally switch horses due to various circumstances or tactical considerations.
However, the phrase is more commonly used figuratively to describe a transition or substitution in different areas of life. For instance, in a political context, it may refer to a change in leadership or representatives within a party or government. In the business world, "swaps horses" could denote replacing one strategy or investment with another, typically in pursuit of improved results or adaptation to changing circumstances.
In essence, "swaps horses" is a versatile phrase that signifies the act of exchanging or replacing one thing or situation with another. Its application extends beyond literal exchanges of horses and has become an idiom used to depict various shifts, switches, or transitions across different domains.
The phrase "swaps horses" has its origin in horse racing, specifically a type of racing called "relay racing" or "steeplechase". In such races, a team of horses would take turns running different parts of the racecourse. When a horse got tired, the jockey would swap it with a fresh horse, ensuring that the team maintained a fast pace throughout the race. Over time, the phrase "swaps horses" came to be used metaphorically to indicate the act of changing one thing for another, often with the intention of gaining an advantage or improving the situation.
