ENGLISH
REFERENCE

chrome horn

idiom
Meaning

The front bumper of a car when used to bump another vehicle, usually to inform the driver of the other vehicle that the first car would like to pass.


Origin

disputed origin

The phrase most likely originated during NASCAR broadcasts in the 1970s, when stock cars still had chrome bumpers.

Examples
SIMPLE

He used his chrome horn to tell the slow car to move.

CONTEXTUAL

The driver in front refused to speed up, so she gave him a quick nudge with her chrome horn.

COMPLEX

Frustrated by the sluggish pace of the traffic, the impatient motorist deployed his chrome horn to signal his intent to overtake the dawdling vehicle ahead.

Anchors to
Related idioms3entries
  1. 01

    chrome dome

    A bald head.

  2. 02

    on the horn

    On the telephone.

  3. 03

    toot one's own horn

    To promote oneself; to boast or brag; to tout oneself.

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