- Meaning
- This idiom describes an unexpected winner, competitor, or talent who emerges from obscurity to achieve success. It refers to someone or something underestimated due to lack of recognition or prior fame, often surprising others with their ability or potential. The phrase is commonly used in sports, politics, or creative fields to highlight underdog victories.
- Origin
- The term comes from horse racing in 19th-century Britain, where a ‘dark horse’ was a little-known racer with hidden potential, often entered to manipulate betting odds. Benjamin Disraeli’s 1831 novel *The Young Duke* popularized the phrase, describing a horse ‘which had never run, and nobody knew its paces.’ By the mid-19th century, it was applied to politics, notably in the U.S. with James K. Polk, the 1844 ‘dark horse’ presidential candidate. Its metaphorical use grew to encompass any surprising success, reflecting the thrill of unexpected triumphs.
- Variants
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- Examples
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- She was a dark horse in the competition, coming from nowhere to win the gold medal.
- The startup proved to be a dark horse, outpacing established companies with its innovative product.
- He’s a dark horse in the election, gaining support despite being an unknown candidate.
- The quiet intern turned out to be a dark horse, delivering a brilliant presentation that impressed the board.
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