horse opera
A theatrical production, film, or program on radio or television depicting adventures of characters in the American Old West; a western.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My grandfather loves watching an old horse opera on Sunday afternoons.”
“The local cinema is hosting a festival dedicated to the classic horse opera, featuring many famous cowboys from the fifties.”
“While some critics dismiss the genre as simplistic, the horse opera remains a foundational element of American cinematic history and cultural mythology.”
- 01
beat a dead horse
To persist or continue far beyond any purpose, interest or reason.
- 02
change horses in midstream
To change one's plan or approach when an effort is already underway or at another inopportune time.
- 03
charley horse
A muscle cramp, usually a strong one, in the thigh, leg, arm, or core.
- 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).
- 05
dark horse
Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.
- 06
drive a coach and horses through
To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).
- 07
enough to choke a horse
An excessive quantity.
- 08
flog a dead horse
To attempt to get more out of something that cannot give more; to attempt to arouse fresh interest in something that is either hopeless or already settled.
Last updated August 10, 2026