Horses for courses
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.
Often appears as...
- decide on horses for courses
- apply horses for courses
Usage tips
Idiomatic
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.
Often appears as...
- decide on horses for courses
- apply horses for courses
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 1
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase has its origins in the UK, which may not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.
When I used 'horses for courses' in America, they looked confused.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's not about actual horses or courses; it's a metaphor for suitability and preference.
She prefers yoga, he likes running; horses for courses.
Pro Tip 3/3Situational Use
Best used when highlighting the effectiveness of people or things in specific situations.
Jane's great with numbers, Brian's creative - horses for courses in this project.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase has its origins in the UK, which may not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.
When I used 'horses for courses' in America, they looked confused.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's not about actual horses or courses; it's a metaphor for suitability and preference.
She prefers yoga, he likes running; horses for courses.
Pro Tip 3/3Situational Use
Best used when highlighting the effectiveness of people or things in specific situations.
Jane's great with numbers, Brian's creative - horses for courses in this project.
Pro Tip 1/3British Origin
The phrase has its origins in the UK, which may not be understood or used by English speakers elsewhere.
When I used 'horses for courses' in America, they looked confused.
Pro Tip 2/3Not Literal
It's not about actual horses or courses; it's a metaphor for suitability and preference.
She prefers yoga, he likes running; horses for courses.
Pro Tip 3/3Situational Use
Best used when highlighting the effectiveness of people or things in specific situations.
Jane's great with numbers, Brian's creative - horses for courses in this project.
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