Horses for courses

usgb
phrase

Different people or things work better in different situations or tasks.

You might prefer studying in the morning, but I prefer studying at night. It's really horses for courses.
Visual representation of "horses for courses" - Different people or things work better in different situations or tasks.

Often appears as...

  • decide on horses for courses
  • apply horses for courses

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "horses for courses"
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British Origin

The phrase has its origins in the UK, which may not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.

Illustration for British Origin
When I used 'horses for courses' in America, they looked confused.
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Not Literal

It's not about actual horses or courses; it's a metaphor for suitability and preference.

Illustration for Not Literal
She prefers yoga, he likes running; horses for courses.
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Situational Use

Best used when highlighting the effectiveness of people or things in specific situations.

Illustration for Situational Use
Jane's great with numbers, Brian's creative - horses for courses in this project.
Visual representation of the word "Horses for courses"

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