Significado
To tell someone to wait or slow down.
Contexto cultural
The phrase is deeply tied to the 'Cowboy' archetype. It suggests a culture that values action but recognizes the need for a 'steady hand' on the reins. While used in the UK, it can sometimes sound a bit 'Americanized.' British speakers might prefer 'Steady on' to achieve the same effect with a more local flavor. Australians use this phrase frequently due to their casual and often rural-influenced dialect. It fits perfectly with the 'no worries' attitude of slowing down. In modern 'Agile' work environments, this phrase is sometimes used ironically to push back against 'sprint' culture when things are moving too fast for quality.
Use for excitement
It's best used when someone is happy-excited, not just when they are being annoying.
Watch your tone
If said too loudly, it can sound like you are talking to a child. Keep it light!
Significado
To tell someone to wait or slow down.
Use for excitement
It's best used when someone is happy-excited, not just when they are being annoying.
Watch your tone
If said too loudly, it can sound like you are talking to a child. Keep it light!
The 'Whoa' factor
Adding 'Whoa' before the phrase makes it sound much more natural and native-like.
Regional variations
In the Southern US, saying 'Hold your hosses' will make you sound like a local.
Teste-se
Complete the idiom in the sentence below.
Whoa! Hold your ________! We haven't even decided where to go yet.
The correct plural form is 'horses.'
Which situation is the best time to say 'Hold your horses'?
Pick the best scenario:
This is an informal situation where someone is acting too quickly.
Choose the best response for Speaker B.
Speaker A: 'I'm going to call him and tell him I hate him right now!' Speaker B: '________'
The idiom is used here to advise against an impulsive, angry action.
Match the phrase to the meaning.
Match 'Hold your horses' with its meaning:
The idiom means to slow down or wait.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Recursos visuais
Banco de exercicios
4 exerciciosWhoa! Hold your ________! We haven't even decided where to go yet.
The correct plural form is 'horses.'
Pick the best scenario:
This is an informal situation where someone is acting too quickly.
Speaker A: 'I'm going to call him and tell him I hate him right now!' Speaker B: '________'
The idiom is used here to advise against an impulsive, angry action.
Match 'Hold your horses' with its meaning:
The idiom means to slow down or wait.
🎉 Pontuação: /4
Perguntas frequentes
10 perguntasTechnically yes, but it sounds very strange to native speakers. Always use the plural 'horses'.
It can be if used with a boss or a stranger. With friends, it's perfectly fine and friendly.
Yes, it is very common in movies, TV shows, and daily conversation.
Phrases like 'Full steam ahead' or 'Get a move on' are opposites.
Only in a very casual email to a close friend. Avoid it in professional emails.
No, it is 100% figurative in modern English.
Because horses were the 'engines' of the 1800s. Stopping them required physical strength and reins.
Yes, if you are talking about a group of people who are rushing.
It is used in both, but it has a stronger historical connection to American English.
It is usually taught at A1 or A2 because the words are simple, even if the meaning is figurative.
Frases relacionadas
Cool your jets
synonymTo calm down or wait.
Keep your shirt on
similarDon't get angry or impatient.
Hold on
similarWait.
Full steam ahead
contrastTo go as fast as possible.
Don't jump the gun
similarDon't start too early.
