Quick answer: “Hold your horses” means wait a moment; slow down and don't be hasty.
Hold your horses — Used to tell someone to wait a moment, slow down, and not be hasty or impatient.
Origin & History
The expression comes from horse-drawn transport, where a driver had to physically hold the reins firmly to stop the horses from moving too soon.
It was used literally to mean 'control your horses' before becoming a common figurative way to tell someone to be patient and not act too quickly, a use that has been widespread since the 19th century. Learners who want to check other figurative expressions can consult general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which document how such idioms are used today.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Hold your horses — we haven't even decided on a date yet. | Planning |
| Hold your horses, I need to check the numbers before we agree. | Negotiation |
| Just hold your horses and let me finish explaining. | Conversation |
| Hold your horses! There's no need to rush into a decision. | Advice |
Dialogue Example
A: Let's sign the contract right now!
B: Hold your horses — let's read it properly first.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
Hold your horse.
Hold your horses. — The idiom is always plural: 'horses', not 'horse'.
Hold the horses, please.
Hold your horses, please. — The possessive is usually 'your', matching the person being addressed.
Hold on your horses.
Hold your horses. — No extra 'on' is needed before 'your horses'.
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Practice English Idioms
Use these exercises to master idioms in context:
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Hold your horses
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Hold your horses” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “_____ — we haven't even decided on a date yet.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "hold your horses" mean?
"Hold your horses" is used to tell someone to wait a moment, slow down, and not be hasty or impatient.
Where does "hold your horses" come from?
It comes from horse-drawn transport, where a driver had to hold the reins firmly to stop the horses moving too soon. It became figurative in the 19th century.
Can you give an example of "hold your horses" in a sentence?
"Hold your horses — we haven't even decided on a date yet." It is used to ask someone to be patient.
Is "hold your horses" formal or informal?
It is informal and very common in everyday spoken English, especially between friends, family, and colleagues.
What CEFR level is "hold your horses"?
This idiom is typically taught at B1 level, as it is short, vivid, and commonly used in spoken English.
What are common mistakes with "hold your horses"?
Common mistakes include using the singular 'horse', changing the possessive to 'the', or adding an unnecessary 'on'.
What idioms are similar to "hold your horses"?
Similar idioms include: Slow down, Don't jump the gun, Keep your shirt on. These all ask for patience.
How do I practise idioms like "hold your horses"?
Try LexFizz's Flash Cards and Flip Tiles, and practise using 'hold your horses' in short dialogues.
Can "hold your horses" be used in writing?
Yes, in informal writing and dialogue, such as messages, scripts, or casual articles.
Does "hold your horses" have the same meaning in British and American English?
Yes, it is understood identically in both, and is a widely used idiom across all major varieties of English.