
Back the wrong horse
Metaphorical Use
This phrase is used metaphorically to indicate a poor choice, rather than literally betting on horses.

I feel like I backed the wrong horse by choosing the slowest queue at the supermarket.
Negative Outcome
Use the phrase when the chosen option results in a negative outcome or failure.

Everyone said I backed the wrong horse by investing in that company just before it went bankrupt.
Decision Regret
The phrase often implies regret over making the wrong choice or decision.

He backed the wrong horse by moving to a new city that he ended up hating.
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