Learn how to use the phrase "hold your horses".

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Episode Script:
“Whoa, hold your horses! We have plenty of time!””

Welcome to “ESL with Josh” - a podcast that will help you to speak more like a native English speaker. In this episode, we will consider the phrase “hold your horses” - what does it mean and how do we use it?

“Hold your horses” is an idiom, which means that we don’t understand it literally.
“Hold your horses” does NOT mean that there are horses in front of you that you should pick up into your arms.
“Hold your horses” (as an idiom) does NOT have anything to do with horses.
“Hold your horses” DOES mean to slow down, or be patient, or wait.

The phrase comes from when someone is riding a horse or sitting in a carriage being pulled by horses. The rider is holding ropes (called reins) that can be used in order to direct the horse or slow the horse down. So to slow down, the rider will “hold his horses” by pulling on the reins.

Today, the idiom “hold your horses” is often used when someone is rushing or in a hurry. Telling them “hold your horses” is an encouragement to wait and think about something before taking action. “Hold your horses” is most often used as a command, but can be found in other forms as well.

Here are a few examples:

• Hold your horses! There is plenty of candy for each of you.
• You are going to have to hold your horses. I have a little more work to finish before we can leave.
• I know the plane leaves soon, but everyone should hold their horses. Let’s make sure we know where our gate is before we start running.

Now it is time to take a quiz. Which of the following sentences are correct?

1. Why are you rushing? Hold your ponies! We will leave soon, don’t worry.
2. Whoa, hold your horses! It’s better to be late than to get into a car crash.
3. I am sorry but I am going to have to ask you to hold your horses. We are working as fast as we can.
4. I am glad you are strong because you need to hold your horses and they are heavy!

What do you think? The only correct sentences are numbers 2 and 3.

Now it’s time for the Joke of the Day
I am not a fan of elevator music. It bothers me on so many levels.

Thanks for listening!

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