How do you use "Dark horse" in a sentence?

He's the dark horse in this election. Watch out for her—she's a dark horse. You never mentioned you could sing! You're a dark horse.

Dark horse

Slang Term BritishAmericanAustralian ★★★★☆ Common Neutral

Meaning: A competitor or candidate about whom little is known but who may succeed.

不为人知但可能成功的竞争者或候选人。

Un competidor o candidato del que se sabe poco pero que puede tener éxito.

あまり知られていないが成功する可能性がある競争者や候補者。

의외의 승자가 될 수 있는 무명의 경쟁자.

A 'dark horse' is an unknown quantity who surprises everyone with unexpected success. Originally from horse racing, now used in politics, competitions, and personal revelations.

'Dark horse（黑马）'是一个未知数，以出人意料的成功让所有人惊讶。最初来自赛马，现在用于政治、竞赛和个人才能的意外发现。

Un 'dark horse' (caballo oscuro) es una incógnita que sorprende a todos con un éxito inesperado. Originalmente de las carreras de caballos, ahora se usa en política, competiciones y revelaciones personales.

「ダークホース」は予想外の成功で皆を驚かせる未知の存在です。元々は競馬用語で、現在は政治、競争、個人的な才能の発覚にも使われます。

경마에서 유래—실력을 알 수 없는 말. 주목받지 못했지만 의외로 성공할 수 있는 사람에게 쓰인다.

Examples

He's the dark horse in this election.
他是这次选举的黑马。
Es el caballo oscuro de estas elecciones.
彼はこの選挙のダークホースだ。
그는 이번 선거의 다크호스다.
Watch out for her—she's a dark horse.
小心她——她是匹黑马。
Cuidado con ella, es una tapada.
彼女に気をつけて—ダークホースだよ。
다크호스 후보가 이겼다.
You never mentioned you could sing! You're a dark horse.
你从没说过你会唱歌！你真是深藏不露。
¡Nunca dijiste que sabías cantar! Eres una caja de sorpresas.
歌えるなんて言ってなかったじゃん！隠れた才能があるね。
그녀가 다크호스였다.

Pronunciation

/dɑːk hɔːs/

Usage Guide

Context: competition, politics, surprises

Tone: intrigued, surprised

✓ Do Say

Dark horse
黑马
caballo oscuro, tapado/a
ダークホース
다크호스야.
A dark horse
一匹黑马
un/a tapado/a
ダークホース
다크호스 후보.
You're a dark horse
你是匹黑马
eres una caja de sorpresas
あなたはダークホースだ
알고 보니 다크호스였어.

Common Mistakes

Positive—about hidden potential or surprises

Origin & History

From 19th century horse racing, where an unknown horse's abilities were a mystery. Benjamin Disraeli used it in his 1831 novel. Now describes any unexpectedly successful person.

Etymology: Horse racing: unknown horse with hidden potential

First recorded: 1831, Disraeli

Cultural Context

Era: 19th century onwards

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal

Pop culture: Politics; Sports

Regional notes: English-language universal.

Variations

Dark horseA dark horse