dark horse - Definition & Meaning

a person with secret skills or ideas that when become known, they surprise peoplea person with secret skills or ideas that when become known, they surprise people

There are a few theories about where the phrase "dark horse" comes from. One theory is that it originated in horse racing, where a dark-colored horse that is not well-known or expected to win a race can surprise everyone and come out on top. Another theory is that the phrase originated in politics, where a little-known candidate could surprise everyone and win an election. This theory suggests that the term "dark horse" was first used in the United States in the mid-1800s in reference to James K. Polk, who was a relatively unknown candidate but ended up winning the presidential election in 1844. Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase became more widely used to describe any person or thing that is unexpected or surprising in terms of their success or abilities.There are a few theories about where the phrase "dark horse" comes from. One theory is that it originated in horse racing, where a dark-colored horse that is not well-known or expected to win a race can surprise everyone and come out on top. Another theory is that the phrase originated in politics, where a little-known candidate could surprise everyone and win an election. This theory suggests that the term "dark horse" was first used in the United States in the mid-1800s in reference to James K. Polk, who was a relatively unknown candidate but ended up winning the presidential election in 1844. Regardless of its exact origin, the phrase became more widely used to describe any person or thing that is unexpected or surprising in terms of their success or abilities.

例句

Everyone thought that John would be the next CEO, but Susan turned out to be the dark horse - she had some innovative ideas that nobody knew about and ended up getting the job.
每个人都认为约翰会成为下一任CEO，但苏珊原来是匹黑马——她有一些没人知道的创新想法，最终得到了这份工作。
The band's new album was a dark horse - nobody expected it to be such a huge hit, but it ended up topping the charts.
乐队的新专辑是一匹黑马——没人料到它会如此大热，但最终登上了排行榜榜首。