dark horse

noun

1. a racehorse, competitor, etc., about whom little is known or who unexpectedly wins.
2. a candidate who is unexpectedly nominated at a political convention.

dark horse

noun

1. a competitor in a race or contest about whom little is known; an unknown
2. a person who reveals little about himself or his activities, esp one who has unexpected talents or abilities
3. politics a candidate who is unexpectedly nominated or elected

dark horse

1. An unexpected winner. In politics, a dark horse is a candidate for office considered unlikely to receive his or her party's nomination, but who might be nominated if party leaders cannot agree on a better candidate.

Word History and Origins

Origin of dark horse¹

First recorded in 1825–35

Idioms and Phrases

A little known, unexpectedly successful entrant, as in You never can tell—some dark horse may come along and win a Senate seat . This metaphoric expression originally alluded to an unknown horse winning a race and was so used in a novel by Benjamin Disraeli ( The Young Duke , 1831). It soon began to be transferred to political candidates, among the first of whom was James K. Polk. He won the 1844 Democratic Presidential nomination on the eighth ballot and went on to win the election.

Example Sentences

I thought former NFL quarterback Alex Smith might emerge as a dark horse candidate for president since he had past success as a Commander and Chief.

From Los Angeles Times

I think Leverkusen could be the dark horse of the season.

From BBC

On his Big Ten analysis, Nick Saban declared, “USC’s a dark horse,” and while that may bode well for the Trojans it probably comes as a shock to Traveler.

From Los Angeles Times

But sometimes the dark horse wins the race.

From BBC

This affecting love letter to theater could end up being the season’s dark horse.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• also-ran
• long shot
• sleeper
• underdog