A "dark horse" is a person or thing that unexpectedly wins or succeeds in a competition or situation, often surprising everyone because they were previously unknown or not expected to do well. The idiom comes from horse racing, referring to an unknown horse that wins, and also describes someone with hidden talents or skills that are revealed later, like a friend who secretly writes novels.
A "black sheep" refers to a person who is considered different or does not fit in with a group, especially within a family. It often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the person has done something disappointing, is not accepted, or refuses to follow the rules and norms of the group.
- From online with minor editing
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A few days ago, when a net-buddy in another wxc forum posted a drawing of a horse in black ink, the idiom of "dark horse" jumped out in my head. Then "black sheep" followed.
What humorous and puzzled me are: horse and sheep are both animals, dark and black are of the same colour, and yet, one idiom is very positive while the other is deadly negative?
Go figure.For example, when Mark Carney won the Library party leadership race on March 9, 2025, some would say the prominent economist and a scholar was a rookie and "dark horse" in the Canadian political playground.
As for the "black sheep", I asked Maowi the cat: Do you know one? Maowi gave me an indifferent look and walked away.
