pony
n. countablen. a type of small horse that stays short even when it is fully grown. You often see them at farms or being ridden by children.
n. a small horse of any of several breeds, typically under 14.2 hands (147 cm) in height at the withers. Distinct from a foal, which is a young horse of any size.
The children take turns riding the friendly pony.
The local riding school keeps several sturdy ponies because they are easier for beginners to handle than full-sized horses.
While many assume a pony is simply a young horse, it is actually a distinct animal with a thicker coat, shorter legs, and a more robust temperament than its larger equine cousins.
1659 from Scots powny, apparently from Middle French poulenet (“little foal”), ultimately from Late Latin pullanus (“young of an animal”), from pullus (cognate to English foal). Sense “small serving of alcohol” from 19th century, both for small sizes generally and for a quarter pint specifically, from the small size.
Clipping of pony and trap, rhyming with crap.
In British slang, the term can also refer to the sum of twenty-five pounds sterling.
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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.
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one-trick pony
A person or group noteworthy for only a single achievement, skill, or characteristic.