dark horse
/ˌdɑːrk ˈhɔːrs/
Meaning
A 'dark horse' is a candidate, competitor, or team that is little known but unexpectedly wins or succeeds. It originates from horse racing, where an unknown horse would surprise everyone by winning. The term is widely used in sports, politics, and talent shows to describe an underdog with hidden potential.
Examples
-
Nobody expected that indie film to win, but it turned out to be the dark horse of the Oscars.
Nobody expected that indie film to win, but it turned out to be the dark horse of the Oscars.
-
She is the dark horse in this year's mayoral election, slowly gaining ground in the polls.
She is the dark horse in this year's mayoral election, slowly gaining ground in the polls.
-
The Croatian team was the dark horse of the tournament, reaching the finals against all odds.
The Croatian team was the dark horse of the tournament, reaching the finals against all odds.
-
Keep an eye on that young singer; she might be the dark horse of the competition.
Keep an eye on that young singer; she might be the dark horse of the competition.
-
We were the dark horses of the debate tournament, but we ended up taking home the trophy.
We were the dark horses of the debate tournament, but we ended up taking home the trophy.
Common Mistakes
-
✗ He is a black horse in the company.
✓ He is a dark horse in the company.
The correct idiom is always 'dark horse'. 'Black horse' is a literal translation error from other languages.
-
✗ The team won because they are dark horses.
✓ The team won because they were the dark horses.
When referring to a specific group or individual, use the definite article 'the' before 'dark horse' or 'dark horses'.
Related Expressions
Practice
-
No one predicted their success, making them the true ___ of the tournament.
💡 An unexpected winner.
Show answer
dark horse
-
She's a bit of a ___ in this race, but her recent performance has been impressive.
💡 A competitor with hidden abilities.
Show answer
dark horse