hold one's horses

phrase

Synonyms of hold one's horsesnext
: to slow down or stop for a moment
usually used in the imperative
"Hurry up. We need to get going." "Hold your horses. I'll be ready in a minute."

Word History

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of hold one's horses was in 1843

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Cite this Entry

“Hold one's horses.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hold%20one%27s%20horses. Accessed 26 Aug. 2026.

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