VOA词汇掌故2023--'Straight from the Horse's Mouth'（在线收听）

And now, Words and Their Stories, from VOA Learning English.

On today's show, we will be talking about an animal that is as impressive and beautiful as it is useful -- the horse.

Today's expression is straight from the horse's mouth. "Straight from the horse's mouth" is about the way we get information and — with this expression — that means directly.

When we hear something from the source, we can say we heard it first-hand. It is coming from a primary source.

When we use this expression, we can drop the word "straight" if necessary. So, if you hear something from the horse's mouth, you hear it from the person who has direct personal knowledge of the information.

For example, a co-worker of mine, Andrew, likes to play the piano. But don't take my word for it, let's hear it straight from the horse's mouth.

ANDREW: I really like to play the piano.

Thanks, Andrew!

The opposite of this expression would be through the grapevine. That is a very indirect way to get information.

Now, let's talk about origin. Experts are not sure how this expression started. However, there are two common explanations.

One traditional explanation is about buying horses. Before buying a horse, a possible buyer would look into the horse's mouth. This is because you can tell a bit about a horse's health and age from its gums and teeth.

Another explanation involves horse racing. At the horse races, people talk about which horses will win and which ones will lose. The most valuable opinions are from the people who know the horses the best – the riders and trainers. Since you can't ask the horse, these people are the next best thing. "Straight from the horse's mouth" suggests the most knowledgeable source of information.

So, this expression can also mean from a reliable source. The information is coming from a trustworthy person. It may even be the definitive source, meaning the best authority.

Now, let's hear the expression used in another example:

A: Hey, guess what? Stella is moving to Toronto! She's so excited.

B: Are you sure? She just bought a house a year ago.

A: She told me herself last night over dinner.

B: I just can't believe it. I mean, she also just got a promotion and a raise at her job. It doesn't make sense.

A: Well, whether it makes sense or not, that's what she told me.

B: Maybe you misheard her.

A: I didn't. I heard it straight from the horse's mouth – Stella's!

And that's all the time we have on the show today.

If anyone asks you where you learned this expression, tell them you heard it straight from the horse's mouth – from VOA Learning English.

Words in This Story

primary –adj. happening or coming first

gums –n. (pl.) the tissue inside the mouth around the teeth

reliable –adj. able to be trusted to provide what is needed; dependable

definitive –adj. considered final or settled as the best or most correct

promotion –n. an increase in job rank or position