ENGLISH
REFERENCE

high horse

idiom
Meaning

An appearance or sense of smug superiority.


Examples
SIMPLE

Get off your high horse and listen to me.

CONTEXTUAL

He needs to get off his high horse if he wants to work well with the rest of the team.

COMPLEX

Despite his own past mistakes, he remained on his high horse, judging everyone else for their minor errors in judgment.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    beat a dead horse

    To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.

  2. 02

    change horses in midstream

    To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.

  3. 03

    charley horse

    A muscle cramp, usually a strong one, in the thigh, leg, arm, or core.

  4. 04

    close the stable door after the horse has bolted

    To attempt to prevent a problem that has already occurred; to design and implement a preventive mechanism that is too late (after the first failure instead of before).

  5. 05

    come hell or high water

    Regardless of the hardships; no matter what difficulties may arise.

  6. 06

    dark horse

    Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.

  7. 07

    drive a coach and horses through

    To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).

  8. 08

    enough to choke a horse

    An excessive quantity.

Last updated April 17, 2026