weak horse

[/wiːk hɔːrs/]
noun phrasepl: weak horses
cavalo fraco
1. A horse that lacks physical strength, endurance, or vigor; a horse in poor condition
The farmer decided not to use the weak horse for the heavy plowing work.
O fazendeiro decidiu não usar o cavalo fraco para o trabalho pesado de aração.
2. In figurative use: a person or entity that is unreliable, ineffective, or lacking in power or influence
He proved to be a weak horse in negotiations, giving in to every demand.
Ele se mostrou um cavalo fraco nas negociações, cedendo a cada exigência.
3. In sports betting or horse racing: a horse with poor odds of winning
Betting on that weak horse would be a waste of money.
Apostar nesse cavalo fraco seria uma perda de dinheiro.
This phrase is used both literally in equestrian contexts and figuratively in business, politics, and sports. In Brazil and the United States, 'weak horse' is often employed metaphorically to describe unreliable negotiators or politicians lacking conviction. The expression gained prominence in international diplomacy discourse.
NYC Slang
pushover; lightweight; chump
Synonyms / Sinônimos
feeble horsesickly horseunreliable personpushoverunderperformer
Antonyms / Antônimos
strong horsethoroughbredchampiondependable personpowerhouse

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
cavalo fraco
Standard term used in equestrian and figurative contexts
Rio de Janeiro
cavalo fraco
Common usage, sometimes used figuratively for unreliable people
São Paulo
cavalo fraco
Standard usage in business and negotiation contexts when used figuratively
Portugal
cavalo fraco
Similar usage to Brazilian Portuguese; may also use 'cavalo débil' in formal contexts

Related Words

horsestrengthendurancevigorreliabilityweaknessfrailty

Related Idioms & Phrases

never bet on a weak horse
a weak horse in a race
don't back a weak horse
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