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tall in the saddle

idiom
Meaning

Imposing, impressive; resolute; manly.


Examples
SIMPLE

He stood tall in the saddle after his big promotion.

CONTEXTUAL

Despite the company's financial crisis, the CEO remained tall in the saddle and kept the staff calm.

COMPLEX

Even when faced with overwhelming opposition, the veteran politician stood tall in the saddle, refusing to compromise his core principles.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    burr in one's saddle

    Synonym of bee in one's bonnet.

  2. 02

    cut down the tall poppy

    To belittle or undermine someone who is perceived as superior or more successful and accomplished.

  3. 03

    put the saddle on the right horse

    To assign praise or blame where it is properly due.

  4. 04

    ride tall in the saddle

    To act or conduct oneself in a manner that is imposing, impressive, resolute, or manly.

  5. 05

    saddle tramp

    In the Old West, a person who wanders from place to place on horseback.

  6. 06

    stand tall

    To behave in a brave, proud, or unyielding manner, without retreating from confrontation, danger, or adversity.

  7. 07

    tall order

    A big job; a difficult challenge.

  8. 08

    tall story

    Synonym of tall tale (“a tale or story which is fantastic and greatly exaggerated; also, an account of questionable veracity; a lie, an untruth”).

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