The horses run faster when they smell the barn.
smell the barn
idiomTo act with renewed energy or speed or to experience heightened anticipation as one approaches a destination, goal, or other desired outcome.
Origin
disputed originA reference to a livestock animal returning to its barn at the end of the day, especially a horse drawing a carriage which is on the way back home.
We were tired after the long hike, but we started walking faster once we could smell the barn.
As the final deadline approached, the team worked with renewed intensity, clearly beginning to smell the barn after months of exhaustive labor.
- 01
barn find
A valuable item recovered from poor storage, such as a suburban garage, farm shed, etc., where it had been more or less forgotten; especially a vintage automobile.
- 02
bit by a barn mouse
tipsy; slightly drunk
- 03
born in a barn
In a past tense: criticizing the person to whom the phrase is directed for inappropriately, and usually neglectingly, leaving an exterior door or window open, considered ill-mannered.
- 04
not be able to hit the broad side of a barn
To have very poor aim, such as while using firearms or in sports.
- 05
pony in the barn
An exciting and real prospect, something to be legitimately excited about.
- 06
smell a rat
To sense something suspicious.
- 07
smell blood
To sense that one has an advantage over an adversary or rival.
- 08
smell fishy
To seem suspicious.