English Reference
Idiom idiom

get back on the horse


To return to an activity after a period of abstaining from the activity.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

You failed the test, but you should get back on the horse.

CONTEXTUAL

After she lost her first tennis match, she practiced hard to get back on the horse.

COMPLEX

Despite the devastating failure of his initial startup, he resolved to get back on the horse and pursue his next venture with renewed determination.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    all the way to Egery and back

    The long way; a roundabout route; a long distance to travel.

  2. 02

    as it gets

    As it is possible to be.

  3. 03

    back down

    To take a less aggressive position in a conflict than one previously had, or has planned to have.

  4. 04

    back forty

    The most remote or inaccessible part of any place.

  5. 05

    back gammon player

    A person, chiefly a homosexual, who has anal sex.

  6. 06

    back in the game

    Having recovered from a disadvantageous position.

  7. 07

    back into

    To advance to the post-season as a result of another team's loss, especially where one's own team has also lost.

  8. 08

    back of one's hand

    A display of disrespect or scorn.

Last updated August 10, 2026