What does “That’s a horse of another colour.” mean?
"That's a horse of another color" means that the subject being discussed is different from the one previously mentioned, and therefore requires a different approach or perspective. It is often used to redirect a conversation or to indicate a change in topic.
What context can I use the in?
Example
We were talking about politics, but now you're bringing up sports? That’s a horse of another colour. Let's focus on one topic at a time.
Example
I thought we were discussing the budget, but now you're talking about personal finances? That’s a horse of another colour. Let's stay on track.
Example
We were talking about the movie plot, and now you're talking about the special effects? That’s a horse of another colour. Let's address one aspect at a time
Is “That’s a horse of another colour.” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?
“That’s a horse of another colour.” 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 “That’s a horse of another colour.” effectively in context?
You can use "That's a horse of another colour" to emphasize that something is completely different from what was previously discussed or expected. It is often used when someone introduces a new topic or changes the direction of a conversation. For example, if a friend starts talking about their personal life when you were discussing politics, you might say, 'I thought we were talking about politics, but now you're bringing up personal relationships? That's "a horse of another colour".'
- 1Conversation
I thought we were talking about politics, but now you're bringing up personal relationships? That's a horse of another colour.
- 2Problem-solving
I was expecting a simple math problem, but this calculus equation is a horse of another colour.
- 3Topic change
We were discussing the economy, and now you're talking about climate change? That's a horse of another colour entirely.
Similar phrases to “That’s a horse of another colour.”:
Good things to know:
Where does the phrase “That’s a horse of another colour.” come from?
The origin of the phrase "That's a horse of another colour" is unknown.
Is “That’s a horse of another colour.” common in everyday conversation?
Yes, "That's a horse of another colour" is a common proverb in everyday conversation. People often use it to express surprise or to highlight a significant difference in a situation or topic.
What tone does “That’s a horse of another colour.” have?
"That's a horse of another colour" conveys a tone of surprise or emphasis. It is often used to express a sudden shift or unexpected change in a conversation or situation.
Can “That’s a horse of another colour.” be used in informal and formal settings?
Yes, "That's a horse of another colour" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It is a versatile phrase that conveys the idea of something being completely different. You can use it in casual conversations with friends and family, as well as in more formal situations such as meetings or presentations.
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, 'I thought we were talking about politics, but now you're bringing up personal relationships? That's "a horse of another colour".' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Well, "that's a horse of another colour"!' to express surprise or disbelief.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
- a different matter
- a different situation
- a different thing
- a different topic
Antonyms
- the same matter
- the same situation
- the same thing
- the same topic
