The phrase "went lame" describes a condition when a horse's gait is affected due to a leg injury. The spelling of the word "went" is [wɛnt], which indicates the sound of the vowel "e" pronounced in a mid-central position. The word "lame" is spelled [leɪm], with the diphthong "ay" representing the sound transition from "long a" to "long i" as in the word "pain." Overall, "went lame" is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) to represent the sounds of each individual word.
"Went lame" is an idiomatic expression used to describe the physical condition of a living being, primarily referring to animals, particularly horses. The phrase denotes the state when an animal, such as a horse, experiences a sudden and severe impairment in its ability to walk or move due to injury or other physical ailments.
When an animal "goes lame," it signifies that there has been a noticeable and significant deterioration in its mobility or gait, rendering it incapable of walking or performing its usual activities. The condition is often characterized by limping, favoring one leg over others, or displaying other signs of pain or discomfort while moving.
The term "went lame" can be traced back to the equestrian world, where it is commonly used by riders, trainers, and veterinarians to diagnose and discuss the occurrence of lameness in horses. Different factors can cause lameness in horses, including strains, fractures, arthritis, or puncture wounds, among others. Consequently, "going lame" is often an indication that the animal requires rest, medical attention, physical therapy, or a change in its daily routine to aid in its recovery.
The phrase "went lame" may also be metaphorically employed in a broader context to describe any situation or entity experiencing a sudden decline, a malfunction, or an impairment that hinders its normal functioning or progress. In such cases, it implies a setback or obstacle that obstructs the smooth continuation or operation of a particular process, system, or project.
The expression "went lame" does not have a specific etymology as it is a combination of two separate words that have distinct origins.
- "Went" is the past tense of the verb "go", which originally comes from the Old English word "wendan" meaning "to proceed or travel". Over time, it evolved into the word "go", with "went" as its past tense form.
- "Lame" originates from the Old English word "lama", which means "defective or crippled". It can be traced back further to the Proto-Germanic word "laimaz".
When these two words are used together as "went lame", they form a phrase used to describe the action of a person or animal becoming crippled or experiencing difficulty in walking due to injury or illness.