# put the saddle on the right horse

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/put-the-saddle-on-the-right-horse
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To assign praise or blame where it is properly due.

## Examples

- Give credit to the real winner and put the saddle on the right horse.
- The project succeeded because of Sarah, so let's put the saddle on the right horse and thank her.
- Before assigning fault for the budget deficit, the committee must investigate the facts to ensure they put the saddle on the right horse.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.