Dark horse
Meaning
A competitor or candidate whose abilities or potential are not publicly known but who surprises others with unexpected success.
Origin
In the vibrant world of 19th-century British horse racing, a 'dark horse' was a phrase coined by politician and novelist Benjamin Disraeli in his 1831 novel, The Young Duke. The term literally described a horse whose appearance, typically its color, was unknown to the punters and thus its racing form and abilities were equally obscure. In Disraeli's story, an unknown horse suddenly appears and triumphs in a race, stunning everyone. This vivid imagery quickly escaped the racetrack, galloping into wider English parlance to describe any candidate or competitor who emerges from obscurity to achieve unexpected success, leaving onlookers surprised and delighted.
Examples
- Despite being a complete unknown at the start of the tournament, the young tennis player quickly became the dark horse, winning match after match.
- Many dismissed her campaign, but she emerged as the dark horse in the election, capturing the majority of votes.