Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

dark-horse

Noun
/dɑrk hɔrs/
Definition
A candidate or competitor whose chances are not well known or who is not initially considered likely to succeed.
Examples
  • The dark-horse candidate surprised everyone by winning the election.
  • In the race, a dark-horse emerged, capturing the attention of both the media and the public.
Meaning
The term ‘dark-horse’ is often used to describe someone or something that unexpectedly rises to prominence or success, often in a competitive context.
Synonyms
  • Underdog
  • Surprise contender
  • Long shot