Hear something straight from the horse\'s mouth

Idioms are generally defined as groups of words that form a meaningful whole when they come together, even though the words in them do not make sense on their own. They have produced many idioms according to their own cultural characteristics in communities using the English language. What does Hear something straight from the horse\'s mouth mean? In what situations is Hear something straight from the horse\'s mouth used?

Meaning of "Hear something straight from the horse\'s mouth"

Meaning

The idiom “hear something straight from the horse’s mouth” is used to describe when someone receives information directly from its source and not through anyone else. This idiom implies that what the source says is true because it comes from them and has not been altered by a third party. Additionally, since the phrase references a horse, it suggests that the source is powerful and in this case, can be trusted.

Etymology

The origin of this phrase dates back to at least 1663. The phrase was first used by mathematician and philosopher, John Wilkins, in his book, “Essay Towards a Real Character and a Philosophical Language”. The phrase has also been attributed to British author, Lady Mary Wortley Montagu, who wrote a letter in 1717 in which she said “the proverb says that you can’t believe anything until you hear it from the horse’s mouth.” The phrase “straight from the horse’s mouth” was first recorded in 1738 when it appeared in a poem by John Gay.

Usage

This idiom is often used to describe when someone has received reliable information directly from its source and can trust that the information is true and not altered by anyone else. It can also be used to refer to someone who has spoken to another person who is directly involved in a situation and has the most reliable and trusted information about it. This phrase is usually used in informal settings such as conversations between friends.

Example Sentences

• I heard the news straight from the horse’s mouth, so I know it is true.
• I don’t want to just take your word for it, I want to hear it straight from the horse’s mouth.
• I trust what she told me because I heard it straight from the horse’s mouth.

From One Language to Another: Idioms in Translation

Translating idioms from one language to another can be a tricky task, as the cultural context behind an idiom can be difficult to capture. For example, the French phrase "avoir le cafard" translates to "to have the cockroach," which means to feel down or depressed. Similarly, the Chinese idiom "????" (j?ng d? zh? w?) translates to "frog at the bottom of a well," which refers to someone with a narrow view of the world.