12 Common Expressions with Unexpected Origins in Horse Racing

The English language is packed with everyday sayings that originated centuries ago, their literal meanings now obscured by time. Get ready for this year’s Kentucky Derby on May 7 by exploring 12 phrases that trace their roots to the racetrack.

1. Across the Board

Originally, across the board described a betting strategy where you selected a single horse and evenly distributed your wager across three potential outcomes: winning (first place), placing (first or second), and showing (first, second, or third). In the early 1900s, bookmakers recorded odds on blackboards, so this bet type literally involved choosing options across the board.

2. Give-and-Take

In the late 1760s, a “give and take plate” was awarded in races where fairness was ensured by assigning additional weight to taller horses. By the 1770s, the phrase had evolved to describe scenarios requiring mutual compromise. The earliest recorded use of this broader meaning appears in Frances Burney’s 1778 novel Evelina: “give and take is fair in all nations.”

3. Hands Down

Today, hands down typically signifies something undeniable or achieved with ease. In the 1800s, the phrase specifically referred to a horse race won so decisively that the jockey could relax the reins and finish “with hands down.”

4. Run for Your Money

In the 19th century, betting on a horse meant hoping for a run for your money—ideally a profitable one, but any race was preferable to none. Horses could be scratched last minute due to injury, illness, or poor conditions, leaving bettors disappointed. Over time, the phrase expanded to describe any situation where someone or something proves to be a formidable contender.

5. and 6. Under the Wire and Down to the Wire

In the 1870s, a wire was often hung above the finish line to help judges determine the winning horse, leading to the term “the wire.” A horse finishing under the wire simply meant it crossed the line, while down to the wire described a close race. Over time, both phrases evolved to signify completing something at the very last moment, reflecting the thrilling, nail-biting nature of horse racing.

7. and 8. Home Stretch and Home Straight

While many might associate this term with baseball slang, its origins lie in horse racing. The home stretch or home straight refers to the final straight portion of the track between the last turn and the finish line. Today, it’s used to describe the concluding phase of any endeavor, whether it’s a journey, project, or other undertaking.

9. Jockey for Position

The phrase jockeying for position refers to striving for a more advantageous spot, whether at a concert or in a race. While it seems tied to modern jockeys positioning their horses, its roots are deeper. Historically, jockey didn’t just mean racehorse riders; it also referred to horse dealers, who were often seen as deceitful and untrustworthy.

Over time, jockey became a verb meaning to outsmart or deceive someone to gain an advantage. The Oxford English Dictionary notes that this sense led to the phrase jockey for position, implying that securing a better spot often involved cunning or moral compromise.

10. Neck and Neck

The phrase neck and neck originally depicted horses racing so closely that neither pulled ahead, their necks remaining level. First documented in 1799, it quickly extended to other competitive contexts, particularly politics. In July 1802, The Morning Post noted, “The contest for Kent is the keenest that has yet been run. The three candidates are neck and neck.”

11. Win by a Nose

Due to their long necks, horses often cross the finish line with their noses first. In 19th-century racing, a victory by the slimmest margin was literally by a nose. Today, the phrase applies to any close triumph, regardless of context.

12. Fast Track

In the mid-1800s, according to the OED, a fast track referred to a racetrack with a firm, dry surface that allowed horses to run at top speeds. Conversely, a slow track had a soft, wet surface. While both terms gained metaphorical use, fast track became far more prevalent. Today, it describes any expedited route, whether literal or figurative, and has even evolved into a verb. For example, “Please fast-track that report on most hated business jargon.”