shanks' pony
One's feet or legs, regarded as a means of transport.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“My car broke down, so I am using shanks' pony today.”
“Since the bus strike started, most people in town are relying on shanks' pony to get to work.”
“With the mountain roads impassable due to the heavy snowfall, the travelers had no choice but to rely on shanks' pony to reach the remote village.”
first recorded 18th c. disputed origin
Believed to be of Scottish origin, from shanks' nag (shanks-naig, attested 1774).
- 01
dog and pony show
Any presentation or display that is overly contrived or intricate, while lacking real substance.
- 02
flog a dead pony
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.
- 03
one-trick pony
A person or group noteworthy for only a single achievement, skill, or characteristic.
- 04
play the ponies
to bet on horse racing.
- 05
pony in the barn
An exciting and real prospect, something to be legitimately excited about.
- 06
shanks' mare
One's own feet used for walking; to "travel by shanks' mare" or "ride [on] shanks' mare" is to walk to your destination.
- 07
shanks' nag
Transportation by foot. To "take a shanks' nag" means using one's own legs to walk.
Last updated August 10, 2026