What does “On Shank’s mare.” mean?
"On Shank's mare" means to travel on foot, or to go by one's own means rather than relying on a vehicle or other mode of transportation. The phrase "Shank's mare" refers to one's own legs and feet, and suggests a willingness to undertake a journey despite its challenges or difficulties.
What context can I use the in?
Example
I don't have a car, so I'll have to go On Shank's mare to get to the store.
Example
The traffic is terrible, so I think I'll just go On Shank's mare to the office today.
Example
Instead of taking a taxi, let's save some money and go On Shank's mare to the restaurant
Is “On Shank’s mare.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“On Shank’s mare.” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.
How would I use “On Shank’s mare.” effectively in context?
You can use "On Shank's mare" to express the idea of traveling on foot or walking. It emphasizes the absence of other means of transportation and the reliance on one's own legs. For example, if someone asks how you plan to get to a destination and you don't have a car, you can say, 'I don't have a car, so I'll have to go "on Shank's mare" to get there.'
- 1Lack of Transportation
I don't have a car, so I'll have to go on Shank's mare to get to the store.
- 2Traffic Congestion
The traffic is terrible, so I think I'll just go on Shank's mare to the office today.
- 3Saving Money
Instead of taking a taxi, let's save some money and go on Shank's mare to the restaurant.
Similar phrases to “On Shank’s mare.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “On Shank’s mare.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "On Shank's mare" is unknown.
Is “On Shank’s mare.” common in everyday conversation?
"On Shank's mare" is not a very common phrase in everyday conversation. It is more likely to be encountered in literature or older texts than in modern spoken language.
What tone does “On Shank’s mare.” have?
"On Shank's mare" conveys a tone of simplicity and resourcefulness. It suggests a willingness to rely on oneself and make the best of a situation without the aid of modern conveniences.
Can “On Shank’s mare.” be used in informal and formal settings?
"On Shank's mare" is an informal phrase that is more commonly used in casual conversations rather than formal settings. It may be seen as old-fashioned or quaint in more formal contexts.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is typically used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I had no choice but to go "on Shank's mare".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to go "on Shank's mare"!' to imply the decision to walk instead of using other means of transportation.
