What does “Stalking horse” mean?
"A stalking horse" means a person or thing that is used to conceal someone's true intentions or to distract attention from a hidden agenda.
What context can I use the in?
Example
The politician used the issue of healthcare as a stalking horse to push his own agenda.
Example
The company announced a new product as a stalking horse to divert attention from their financial troubles.
Example
The celebrity's public relationship was just a stalking horse to hide their secret affair
Is “Stalking horse” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“Stalking horse” 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 “Stalking horse” effectively in context?
You can use "Stalking Horse" to refer to a situation where someone or something is being used as a cover or distraction for ulterior motives. Here are three distinct situations where the phrase can be used effectively:
- 1Politics
The politician used the issue of healthcare as a stalking horse to push his own agenda.
- 2Business
The company announced a new product as a stalking horse to divert attention from their financial troubles.
- 3Celebrity Gossip
The celebrity's public relationship was just a stalking horse to hide their secret affair.
Similar phrases to “Stalking horse”:
Trojan horse
Something that appears harmless but is actually intended to deceive or harm
Example
The email attachment turned out to be a Trojan horse, infecting the computer with malware.
Smoke and mirrors
Deceptive tactics or illusions used to obscure the truth or divert attention
Example
The magician's performance was all smoke and mirrors, making it difficult to see how the tricks were done.
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “Stalking horse” come from?
The origin of the phrase "Stalking Horse" can be traced back to hunting practices in which a horse was used to conceal a hunter's approach towards prey. The horse would act as a shield, allowing the hunter to get closer without being detected. Over time, the term evolved to describe a person or thing used to conceal someone's true intentions or to distract attention from a hidden agenda.
Is “Stalking horse” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "Stalking Horse" is a commonly used expression in everyday conversation. It is often used to describe situations where someone or something is being used as a cover or distraction for hidden motives or agendas.
What tone does “Stalking horse” have?
"Stalking Horse" conveys a tone of deception and manipulation. It implies that someone is using a person or thing as a smokescreen to achieve their own goals or to divert attention from their true intentions.
Can “Stalking horse” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "Stalking Horse" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile expression that can be used in various contexts, such as politics, business, or personal relationships. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations like presentations, meetings, or professional correspondence.
Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?
It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'The company used the new product as a stalking horse to distract from their financial troubles.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'That announcement was just a stalking horse!' to imply that it was a distraction tactic.
