noun

dark horse

dark HORS

Quiz me More like this

Dark horse (noun) means a competitor, candidate or contestant who is little known or thought unlikely to win, but who may surprise everyone by succeeding. Example: “She started the leadership race as a dark horse and finished it as prime minister.”

noun

A competitor, candidate or contestant who is little known or thought unlikely to win, but who may surprise everyone by succeeding.

"She started the leadership race as a dark horse and finished it as prime minister."

"Nobody rated the Danish side, but they turned out to be the dark horse of the tournament."

informal A person who keeps their talents, plans or private life quiet, so that others are surprised when the truth comes out.

"You're a dark horse — nobody knew you'd written a novel."

How to use dark horse

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomeone nobody expected to win who might just win.

When to use it

Neutral to informal; common in sport, politics and business writing, and fine in newspaper prose.

Memory tip

It is a countable noun phrase, so use it with a or the: he is a dark horse, not he is dark horse.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

underdog → wild card outsider →

Common pairings

a real dark horse the dark horse of the race dark horse candidate emerge as a dark horse

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like dark horse.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “dark horse” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She started the leadership race as a _____ and finished it as prime minister.

Etymology

Originally an allusion to an unknown horse with a dark coat winning a race, as used in the 1831 novel The Young Duke by Benjamin Disraeli (1804–1881).

Synonyms

View more →

outsider long shot underdog unknown quantity surprise contender enigma closed book

Antonyms

favourite front-runner

Related words

popular secret favorite favor unknown favourite mystery pet

Rhymes for dark horse

gorse worse Morse Norse horse endorse remorse sawhorse racehorse

See all rhymes for dark horse →

Frequently asked questions

Is being called a dark horse a compliment?

Usually yes. It says you were underestimated rather than untalented, and it carries an air of hidden ability. The only mildly negative shade is the suggestion that you have been secretive.

What is the difference between a dark horse and an underdog?

An underdog is simply expected to lose, and everyone can see the odds against them. A dark horse is unknown rather than merely weak — the point is that nobody has enough information to judge them, so a win comes as a genuine shock.

Can a dark horse be used about a company or an idea?

Yes. Any contender in a competitive field can be a dark horse — a startup in a crowded market, a film in an awards race, or a city bidding to host an event.

What is the meaning of dark horse?

"dark horse" (noun) means a competitor, candidate or contestant who is little known or thought unlikely to win, but who may surprise everyone by succeeding.

People also searched

popular secret favorite favor unknown favourite mystery pet