hobbyhorse Definition
- 1a child's toy consisting of a stick with a model of a horse's head at one end, ridden by rocking back and forth
- 2a topic or issue that someone repeatedly brings up or dwells on, especially in talk but not in action
Using hobbyhorse: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "hobbyhorse" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was always talking about his hobbyhorse of environmentalism.
Example
She gave her son a hobbyhorse for his birthday.
Example
The politician's hobbyhorse was education reform.
hobbyhorse Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for hobbyhorse
Phrases with hobbyhorse
to engage in a favorite pastime or topic of conversation
Example
He loves to ride his hobbyhorse of conspiracy theories.
on one's hobbyhorse
engrossed in a favorite pastime or topic of conversation
Example
He's on his hobbyhorse again, talking about the same thing he always does.
get off one's hobbyhorse
to stop talking about a favorite pastime or topic of conversation
Example
Can we please get off our hobbyhorses and talk about something else?
Origins of hobbyhorse
from 'hobby', meaning 'small horse'
Summary: hobbyhorse in Brief
'Hobbyhorse' [ˈhɒbiˌhɔːs] refers to a child's toy consisting of a stick with a model of a horse's head at one end, or a topic or issue that someone repeatedly brings up or dwells on. It is often used to describe someone's obsession or preoccupation, as in 'The politician's hobbyhorse was education reform.' Phrases like 'ride a hobbyhorse' and 'on one's hobbyhorse' denote engaging in a favorite pastime or topic of conversation, while 'get off one's hobbyhorse' means to stop talking about it.
