horses for courses
Different people are suited for different jobs or situations; what is fitting in one case may not be fitting in another.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“She is great at math, but he prefers art; it is horses for courses.”
“We chose the quiet candidate for the research role and the outgoing one for sales, because it is truly horses for courses.”
“While a small car is perfect for city driving, you need a powerful truck for mountain roads, as it is simply a matter of horses for courses.”
“Recognizing that different projects demand distinct skill sets, the manager assigned tasks based on the principle of horses for courses to ensure optimal results.”
The expression originates from the nineteenth-century British racing world, functioning as an allusion to the observation that a racehorse performs best on a racecourse to which it is specifically suited. The requirements of a particular track, such as the firmness of the turf or the direction of the turns, were understood to favour certain animals over others. It was a matter of professional competence to match the beast to the environment.
- 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
crash course
A quick, intense course of learning, especially one which is informal or hurried.
- 06
dark horse
Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.
- 07
drive a coach and horses through
To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).
- 08
due course
Regular or appropriate passage or occurrence
Last updated August 10, 2026