Eat like a horse


What is the meaning of the phrase “eat like a horse”?

Eat a large amount of food or have a substantial appetite.

What is the origin of the phrase “eat like a horse”?

The origin of the phrase “eat like a horse” is not precisely defined, but it likely dates back to the 16th century or earlier. However, it is clear that the phrase is used to describe someone who eats a large amount of food, which is a characteristic of large animals such as horses, which, due to their size, have substantial energy needs that require a lot of fuel in the form of food. Horses are known to consume large amounts of hay, oats, and other feed—up to 15–25 pounds (7–11 kg) of food per day.

How do you use (and not use) the phrase “eat like a horse”?

As mentioned earlier, the phrase “eat like a horse” can refer to eating a large amount of food or having a substantial appetite. For this reason, many people use the phrase in a manner similar to the following examples:

  • I’ve been eating like a horse over Christmas. I’ll have to go on a diet soon.
  • He/she has quite the appetite – eats like a horse.
  • I eat like a horse after a long stroll along the beach – the sea air seems to really get my appetite going.
  • I’ve been eating like a horse since I’ve been pregnant. I know they say you’re eating for two now, but this is over the top.
  • There’s not going to be enough of the buffet to go around – he/she eats like a horse.
  • Well the picnic would have been enough for everybody if you hadn’t decided to eat like a horse.
  • Let’s have three courses – I eat like a horse.

Interestingly, although people often use the metaphor of eating like a horse to depict eating a lot of food, horses tend not eat their food quickly, and in contrast they take a lot of time eating their food, chewing their hay slowly and taking their time. That said however, people do still use the phrase to refer to eating a large quantity of food at a rapid pace.

Some people use the phrase to imply that someone over indulges, or enjoys their food a little too much. Sometimes they imply that someone is greedy or wants more than their fair share. Other times people are implying that someone is messy when eating their food, for example by eating with their mouth open.

What are some other ways of saying “eat like a horse”?

There are several words and phrases that can be used synonymously, in place of “eat like a horse” Here follows a few examples:

  • I could eat a horse
  • I’m really hungry/starving
  • Gorge oneself
  • Stuff oneself
  • Stuff one’s face
  • Binge eating
  • Eating to excess
  • Feast
  • Pig out
  • Wolf it down
  • Overindulge
  • Eat greedily
  • Starving to death
  • Have the munchies big time
  • I’m Hank Marvin (this is cockney rhyming slang for I’m starving)
  • Guzzling it down

Other English phrases that use the word “horse”

There are several other English idioms that feature the word “horse”. Here follows some examples and what they mean:

Eat a horse

If someone says that they are so hungry they could eat a horse, this is an example of hyperbole. They just mean that they are very hungry and have a large appetite, which is very similar to the phrase “eat like a horse”.

Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth

Don’t criticize a gift, even if you don’t like it very much.

Dark horse

A dark horse is a previously lesser-known person, team or thing that emerges to prominence in a situation.

Off your high horse

“Off your high horse” is an idiom that means to stop behaving in a superior or arrogant manner.

Straight from the horse’s mouth

The phrase ‘to hear something straight from the horse’s mouth’ means that you heard the information from someone who has personal knowledge on the spoken matter.

Flog a dead horse

Flogging a dead horse is an idiom used to express how someone is wasting their energy on a lost cause or a situation that cannot be changed.

Trend of eat like a horse in printed material over time

Cari Mayhew - Author at Phrase Finder

Cari Mayhew

Lifelong learner, phrase fanatic, and lover of literature across multiple genres. Cari Mayhew has a passion for expression, and a keen curiosity for how phrases begin and how their use transforms over time. She is often found looking for the ideal idiom to convey her thoughts and musings.
Eat like a horse

Phrases & Meanings

A-Z

Categories

How did we do?

Have you spotted something that needs updated on this page? We review all feedback we receive to ensure that we provide the most accurate and up to date information on phrases.