A dark horse
noun
A person whose abilities or potential are not yet fully known but could be a surprise and accomplish more than what is expected.
Nobody expected him to win the race, he was really a dark horse.
Often appears as...
- he's a dark horse
- be a dark horse
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
In politics, a candidate who is less well-known to the public, and whose chances for the election are initially not regarded as strong, but may surprise everyone by winning.
The election was full of surprises, the candidate who won was a dark horse all along.
Often appears as...
- emerges as a dark horse
- becomes a dark horse
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
A person whose abilities or potential are not yet fully known but could be a surprise and accomplish more than what is expected.
Nobody expected him to win the race, he was really a dark horse.
Often appears as...
- he's a dark horse
- be a dark horse
Usage tips
Idiomatic
noun
In politics, a candidate who is less well-known to the public, and whose chances for the election are initially not regarded as strong, but may surprise everyone by winning.
The election was full of surprises, the candidate who won was a dark horse all along.
Often appears as...
- emerges as a dark horse
- becomes a dark horse
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Surprise Element
Refers to someone having unexpected talents or abilities.
He turned out to be a dark horse, impressing everyone with his piano skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Unassumingly Skilled
Indicates a person who is modest about their skills may have much more to offer.
She didn't boast, but in the competition, she was a dark horse.
Pro Tip 3/3Hidden Potential
Implies that someone's true ability has not been revealed yet.
With his innovative ideas, Mark was definitely a dark horse in the company.
Pro Tip 1/3Surprise Element
Refers to someone having unexpected talents or abilities.
He turned out to be a dark horse, impressing everyone with his piano skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Unassumingly Skilled
Indicates a person who is modest about their skills may have much more to offer.
She didn't boast, but in the competition, she was a dark horse.
Pro Tip 3/3Hidden Potential
Implies that someone's true ability has not been revealed yet.
With his innovative ideas, Mark was definitely a dark horse in the company.
Pro Tip 1/3Surprise Element
Refers to someone having unexpected talents or abilities.
He turned out to be a dark horse, impressing everyone with his piano skills.
Pro Tip 2/3Unassumingly Skilled
Indicates a person who is modest about their skills may have much more to offer.
She didn't boast, but in the competition, she was a dark horse.
Pro Tip 3/3Hidden Potential
Implies that someone's true ability has not been revealed yet.
With his innovative ideas, Mark was definitely a dark horse in the company.
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