hobby horse

The term 'hobby horse' has evolved from referring to an extinct breed of horse to various modern uses, including children's toys, traditional costumes, and idiomatic expressions.

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Definition

A2Toys

A child's toy consisting of a stick with a horse's head, used for pretend riding.

Example

  • The child galloped around the yard on his hobby horse.

B2Idioms

(figurative)A favorite topic that someone talks about frequently and passionately.

Example

  • Whenever we meet, he always gets on his hobby horse about environmental issues.

C1Folklore

(traditional)A costumed character in traditional dances and festivals, resembling a man on horseback.

Example

  • The hobby horse is a prominent feature in the May Day celebrations.

C2History

(archaic)An early bicycle with no pedals or brakes.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "hobby horse":

horse hockeyled horsewhite horsepommel horsehorse cockwooden horsedrum horsestalking horse