In this lesson, you will learn about the idiom 'dark horse' and how to use it in your conversations.

Let's learn about the idiom 'dark horse'. A 'dark horse' is someone who has hidden talents.

Correct Jeff. A 'dark horse' is a person of little prominence or who has little chance to be successful, but who surprises you at the end by succeeding.

For example: in the recent marathon, the runner from Idaho turned out to be the dark horse. It was his first marathon!

His abilities and potential were not very well known, but he managed to succeed and beat other competitors who were more popular.

Here's another example: nobody thought Edison would become a scientist as he was poor in studies, but he proved to be a dark horse.

In politics, the idiom is used to speak of a candidate who seems less popular or has little chance of winning,

but comes out victorious or gains power unexpectedly.

Yes, a 'dark horse' is like a mysterious person whose abilities, plans and thoughts are not known!

Yes, they are often difficult to judge. Let's listen to some conversations with examples of how to use this idiom?

Good idea!

- Wow Irene! I didn't know you could sing so well! - Thank you, Ben!

You're actually advancing to the finals in the competition.

Yes. In fact, I was in a band.

Aha! So you're the dark horse in this competition! What was the band's name?!

Ever heard of Blue Velvet?

Sure! There was a time when I used to listen to 'Goodnight friend' all day long!

Really?! Well..that was us!

The talk shows are saying that the former High Court judge is the dark horse to be the new governor.

Yeah, he came from nowhere and achieved prominence in polls. He's very intelligent and a visionary!

He may win. Some people have hidden talents.

We have a dark horse among us, too.

Another politician?

No. I was talking to Irene and found out that she was one of the Blue Velvet members!

Really? I love their songs!

It's surprising that Isaac has won the local chess championship!

He's a dark horse. We never knew he was such a good player!

Yeah. He hardly talks to anyone.

I think he can even win the state finals.

So you're the dark horse in this competition!

The talk shows are saying that the former High Court judge is the dark horse to be the new governor.

We have a dark horse among us, too.

He's a dark horse. We never knew he was such a good player!

The runner from Idaho turned out to be the dark horse.