swap horses in midstream
Alternative form of change horses in midstream.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“It is dangerous to swap horses in midstream during a crisis.”
“We are already halfway through the project, so it is not the right time to swap horses in midstream.”
“Although the current leadership faced significant criticism, the board decided that to swap horses in midstream would only exacerbate the company's instability.”
- 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
dark horse
Someone who possesses talents or favorable characteristics that are not known or expected by others.
- 06
drive a coach and horses through
To spoil, break or render ineffective (a rule, plan or agreement).
- 07
enough to choke a horse
An excessive quantity.
- 08
flog a dead horse
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.
Last updated August 10, 2026