Idiom idiom
hear something straight from the horse's mouth
Meaning
Hear something from the person involved
Examples
“I want to hear the news straight from the horse's mouth.”
“I didn't believe the rumors about the office closing until I heard it straight from the horse's mouth during the meeting.”
“Rather than relying on second-hand reports from the media, the investigator insisted on hearing the testimony straight from the horse's mouth to ensure the facts were accurate.”
Origin
disputed origin
disputed origin
From early 20th-century horse racing: the most reliable tip comes from those closest to the horse — and a horse's age can be verified directly from its teeth.
Last updated June 7, 2026