10 English Phrases for the Year of the Horse

Did you know 2026 is the Year of the Horse? 🐎

Each year in the lunar calendar is associated with a Chinese zodiac sign, symbolising different virtues and challenges. 2026 is the year of the Fire Horse, so expect adventure, ambition, and rapid progress­—the perfect energy for language learning.

To celebrate Chinese New Year, we’ve collected 10 popular English phrases related to horses to help expand your vocabulary this month:

Get Back on the Horse💪

Meaning: To begin again after failure or setback.

This one’s for anyone who swore they were ‘done forever’ after a bad English exam. Take a breath, dust yourself off, and get back on the horse.

Hold Your Horses 🛑

Meaning: To slow down or wait before acting.

Whoa, hold your horses! Don’t rush ahead just yet. You still need to read this bit.

Horsing Around 🤪

Meaning: To behave in a silly or playful way.

Sorry, we were just horsing around.

A One-Horse Town🏘️

Meaning: A small or boring place with little to offer.

Brits love to mock their hometowns. Many might describe where they grew up as a one-horse town—until someone else criticises it.

On Your High Horse👑

Meaning: Acting as if you are better or more important than others.

Don’t get on your high horse just because you’ve learned 5 new phrases already—there are still five to go!

Straight from the Horse’s Mouth🐴

Meaning: Information that comes directly from the original or most reliable source.

That’s why we’re glad you came to the Twin Blog for new vocabulary, straight from the horse’s mouth.

A Dark Horse🕶️

Meaning: A person who surprises others by succeeding unexpectedly.

Ever finish an English course and discover the quietest student in the class got the highest score? You’ve found a dark horse.

Put the Cart before the Horse🛒

Meaning: To do things in the wrong order.

If this is the third phrase you’re reading, you’ve put the cart before the horse.

Beating a Dead Horse🐎

Meaning: To waste effort on something that has no chance of succeeding.

Trying to memorise a hundred new words in one night is a classic case of beating a dead horse. Sometimes, it’s better to change your approach.

You Can Lead a Horse to Water, but You Can’t Make it Drink💧

Meaning: You can make it easy for someone to do something, but you can’t force them to do it.

Teachers can support you, but only you can choose to practise English outside of class—unless you study abroad. Using English: no longer optional. 💪

Start Your 2026 Adventure with Twin 🚀

Lost track of your New Year’s resolutions? Embrace your inner Fire Horse this year and explore English courses in the UK and Ireland.