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hold your horses
/hoʊld jɔr ˈhɔːrsɪz/◆idiom
wait and be patient
Hold your horses! We can't start the meeting until everyone arrives.
The speaker is asking others to pause and wait calmly until a condition (everyone arriving) is met.
informal
to wait calmly and not act hastily
Hold your horses before you sign that contract—read it carefully first.
The speaker advises taking time to review a document before making a decision.
Often used to urge someone to slow down or reconsider an impulsive action.
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
When to use
Use 'hold your horses' when someone is acting too quickly or impulsively and you want to encourage patience. It works well in casual conversations with friends or colleagues.
Gold Rule
Avoid literal interpretation
This phrase is never meant to be taken as advice about actual horses. Always interpret it figuratively to mean 'wait' or 'be patient'.
Word Origin
Originates from the literal act of holding a horse's reins to stop it from moving forward. The figurative use dates back to at least the 19th century, reflecting the idea of controlling or restraining oneself from acting too quickly.
Usage Notes
This idiom is informal and commonly used in spoken English. It can sound slightly humorous or old-fashioned due to its imagery. Avoid using it in formal writing or professional contexts.
English Dictionary