# shanks' pony

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/shanks-pony
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

One's feet or legs, regarded as a means of transport.

## Examples

- 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.

## Origin

Believed to be of Scottish origin, from shanks' nag (shanks-naig, attested 1774). (disputed)

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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.